Should Giannis Antetokounmpo leave the Milwaukee Bucks after another early playoff exit?

In the opening round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks were knocked out of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers, losing the series 4-2. 

Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the whole playoff series due to injury, being unavailable to steer his Bucks side past the opening round. 

Since winning the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2021, Giannis and the Bucks have had a torrid time in the playoffs, losing to the Boston Celtics in the second round in 2022, losing to the 8th-seed Miami Heat in 2023, and now losing to Indiana. 

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Their shocking record in the playoffs has left one question: 'Should Giannis Antetokounmpo leave the Milwaukee Bucks to chase more success?'

According to CBS Sports, the Milwaukee Bucks main guys are past their prime, with Brook Lopez being 36, Khris Middleton being 32, and Damian Lillard turning 34 in July. 

With Milwaukee's superstar reaching their mid-30s, injuries have become more prevalent in the team. According to Stat Muse, Middleton missed 27 games, while Lillard and Antetokounmpo missed nine.

The aging squad and key players missing games have led to the Bucks failing to create synergy in the group, and at 29 years old, Antetokounmpo needs to play in a young team tailored toward him.

According to Fox Sports, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points (2nd in the league), 11.5 rebounds (6th in the league), and 6.5 assists per game. The Greek superstar is in his prime now, and he cannot afford to go through a rebuild in Milwaukee. 

At the beginning of this season, Antetokounmpo signed a new deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, inking a three-year, $186 million extension, The Ringer reports. 

Milwaukee Bucks fans probably had a nice sleep after their superstar signed a new contract in the Deer District. However, in the past decade, the best NBA players have been known to cause a storm and force a trade to win. 

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The 'Greek Freak' is known to be a humble superstar, but in September 2023, he made it clear he aimed to win more championships on Ross Geiger's podcast.

Antetokounmpo said, "I'm a Milwaukee Buck. But most importantly, I'm a winner, and I have to do whatever it takes for me to win."

"If there's a better situation for me to win the Larry O'Brien [Trophy], I have to take that better situation. " The Greek superstar has made his intentions clear on what he wants to do, and Milwaukee doesn't look like the spot anymore.

With two years still left on his deal, it may be wise for the Milwaukee Bucks to cash in on the 'Greek Freak' and bring in some young, talented guys to rebuild the franchise.

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, there have been 'no rumbles' pointing towards Antetokounmpo wanting to leave Milwaukee, but the NBA Playoffs are still yet to finish.

Should Giannis Antetokounmpo leave the Milwaukee Bucks to avoid playing in a rebuild situation, or should he stay at the franchise that believed in him since 2013? 

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