Revamped Bucks Pursue Title in Giannis Antetokounmpo Era’s Third Window

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has reacted to trade rumors, reaffirming his dedication to the franchise. As the team enters its third championship window, general manager Jon Horst has restructured the roster, focusing on a younger and more dynamic composition. This evolution includes waiving Damian Lillard and redistributing his record $112 million contract to enhance financial flexibility.

Third Championship Window for the Bucks

With the 2025-26 NBA season approaching, the Bucks are navigating a new phase centered around Antetokounmpo. Historically, champions from 2019-24 have had varied success, with only the Denver Nuggets maintaining a superstar under a maximum salary cap. The Bucks previously won a championship in 2021 and have consistently performed well since 2018-19.

Team Transformation

• General manager Jon Horst extended his contract in April.
• The team has shifted from an aging, star-heavy roster to one of its youngest since the 2018-19 season.
• The recent restructuring reduced the payroll to its lowest level since the 2019-20 season.

Horst emphasized the urgency to maximize this opportunity. “If you have it, you go for it – period,” he stated, reflecting the mindset of the Bucks’ ownership and management over the years. Since Antetokounmpo’s arrival, the team has secured one championship and maintained the best record in the league over the last several seasons.

Defining the Championship Windows

Horst outlined the three championship windows the Bucks have experienced:

• Window 1: Led by Eric Bledsoe, Giannis, and Khris Middleton, this era was marked by significant regular season success but fell short of a championship.
• Window 2: Culminated in a victorious 2021 season, experiencing struggles but eventually securing the trophy.
• Window 3: Initiated by the acquisition of Lillard, this window aims to sustain success with a redefined roster approach.

Future Prospects

Horst believes this current window will remain open for the next two seasons while Antetokounmpo is under contract. With this, they aim to build a team capable of long-term success. The Bucks are in a unique position, as most of their key players will have contracts that expire in the near future, creating possibilities for roster changes and expansion of their championship window.

“We will have opportunities that we haven’t had in the past,” Horst concluded. The strategic moves made by the Bucks reflect their commitment to supporting Antetokounmpo as he continues to lead the franchise towards future success.