Giannis Antetokounmpo Uncertain as Bucks Consider Tanking

An Eastern Conference executive told ESPN that "the Bucks should be tanking this season," after Milwaukee’s 18-25 start and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s own doubts about his future. Giannis has criticized teammates as "being selfish" and said "I don't know. I take it day by day." With the club slumping, limited trade assets and only a late first rounder available, the front office faces a stark choice before the Feb. 5 deadline: try to add around Giannis or start a rebuild and chase a high pick. Merlin sees a franchise at a crossroads. Milwaukee’s nine straight playoff runs give weight to buying, and reports say Jon Horst is still "canvassing the league" for help. Yet blowout losses and internal friction make tanking more tempting. The next seven games, beginning with Denver, will tell whether the Bucks tilt toward short term fixes or long term reset.