NBA Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo will leave the Bucks for sure

The future of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee seems to be entering a decisive phase. After Shams Charania indicated this weekend that "everything points" to a break between the player and the Bucks, it is now Marc Spears who has raised the tone of the debate. The reputable insider stated on ESPN that, in his opinion, the Greek's time in Wisconsin is practically over.

Spears made his reflection during an appearance on the show NBA Today. When asked about the reasons that lead him to believe that Antetokounmpo will not wear the Bucks jersey again, he was clear in analyzing the franchise's sports and strategic situation.

As he explained, there is no real incentive for Giannis to return to the court while injured. The power forward will be out for up to six weeks, and in the journalist's opinion, Milwaukee could take advantage of that situation to immediately trade with Atlanta and receive in return a "generational" asset, even one of the top two picks in the upcoming draft.

Spears emphasized that if Giannis comes back and the team starts winning games, it would only worsen their position in the draft lottery. On the contrary, sitting him out and betting on a rebuild would allow the Bucks to aim for two high picks, an ideal foundation to restart the project.

Atlanta, the key player in the scenario

The Hawks' option gains special relevance due to the draft context. Atlanta holds the first-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans in the upcoming selection. With the Pelicans at the bottom of the West and the third-worst record in the entire NBA, the chances of that pick being one of the highest are considerable, even potentially number one.

Milwaukee, on the other hand, is going through a delicate moment. Currently eleventh in the East with a record of 18-26 and without Antetokounmpo for at least six weeks, everything indicates that their ranking will drop even further. Currently, the Bucks have the eighth-worst record in the league, a position that could easily deteriorate.

In terms of draft rights, the Bucks would keep the less favorable pick between their own and New Orleans', while the other would belong to Atlanta. However, if Milwaukee were to acquire both through a trade, they would have a valuable double asset, regardless of how the lottery plays out.

The sense of a breakdown is not new. Antetokounmpo has been on the verge of leaving the franchise for months, and more and more voices believe that a definitive separation would be best for all parties. Despite the reputation of loyalty that accompanies the Greek player, recent reports suggest a growing internal strain.

In fact, Henry Abbott also reported on this same day that Giannis was close to parting ways with his lifelong agent, Alex Saratsis, upset for failing to secure a trade from Milwaukee. Another indication that the two-time MVP's time with the Bucks may be coming to an end.