Giannis should stick with Bucks. But his case is the primary test of how the NBA's recent rules affect stars

Giannis Antetokounmpo should stay in Milwaukee.

Let’s make this clear upfront. This isn't a long-time Warriors author once more considering a future with the Greek Freak as the brand new pillar of one among the NBA's Golden State It Brands. I'll leave that to Warriors owner Joe Lacob.

And perhaps Stephen Curry.

And perhaps Giannis.

Okay, seriously. Antetokounmpo belongs in Milwaukee, in Milwaukee. The cheesy side of the game, the romantic 30,000-foot views demand he stick with the Bucks, where he became a legend. The Chick-Fil-A where he ordered 50-piece chicken nuggets would change into a state landmark.

However, mushy moments are about past accolades. The Bucks, with the all-time star in his prime, rightfully want greater than just the 2021 Larry O'Brien Trophy they deserve. But what emerges from their current play on the pitch suggests a looming impasse.

The big swing Milwaukee needed to herald a superstar last season by trading Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard is proving to be a failure – not less than when it comes to its championship ambitions. Like a large puzzle that has not yet accomplished its formation, we will see enough to assume the ultimate image.

Of course it is feasible to be incorrect. The Bucks could change that. Even though they're at the underside, they've played so close with the Eastern Conference's best that optimism is warranted.

But truthfully, my deer, this looks as if an issue that Khris Middleton's return can't solve.

The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be juggernauts compared, and the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks are threats within the East despite their mediocre starts. And Bucks fans would do well to not look west now. So it's scary.

The Bucks are 2-8 of their first 10 games, which is disappointing enough to spark a debate about what they need to do. And while there's nothing from Giannis to suggest he wants out – and his recent three-year, $175 million extension begins next yr – he's the mega-figure the remainder of the league is maintaining a tally of. The player who can change the dynamics of the league. Of course, people shall be interested to see if the team's fourth straight yr of failing to advance past the second round results in big changes in Milwaukee.

All of this points to a possible moment of truth for the Bucks and Antetokounmpo as we wait to see how the league's recent climate and culture impact their decision. The NBA's push for parity modified the landscape of team constructing. So it only is sensible that this might also change attitudes about how closely front offices are connected to their superstars.

How he and the Bucks respond might be telling. He turns 30 next month and is the oldest of the young superstars. He also appears to be the one who seems furthest away from a championship.

Giannis should stay in Milwaukee.

Ultimately, the identical questions arise about Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jayson Tatum. Or Duke's Cooper Flag. Or Utah Prep's AJ Dybantsa.

The collective bargaining agreement provides no protections in relation to talking nice, meaning teams that achieve this are waiting the countdown until they should pay. Welcome to the lifetime of Sam Presti. It seems that executives, players and fans must be emotionally prepared for stars to be sacrificed within the name of the CBA.

Obviously all of it is dependent upon the situation. The performances of the celebs. The financial capability of the owner. The flexibility of the squad.

The obvious answer is that the Bucks are upgrading around Antetokounmpo. Given the increasing life expectancy of superstars and the best way he takes care of himself, he must have not less than five to 6 years of elite status in him. Maybe more.

But figuratively speaking, it's also easier than ever to maneuver on and still have an excellent time. The effect of parity figuratively makes it easier for teams to pivot quickly. With no inconceivable juggernaut sitting at the highest of the league — the closest is Boston, which faces an analogous looming money crisis — the climb to the highest is shorter. The penalty of three maximum salaries increases the likelihood that quality players shall be available or come onto the market.

These days it's easier for teams to take a troublesome stance. Jimmy Butler doesn't have a max extension in Miami despite being the face of the franchise. Paul George is in Philadelphia and it doesn't make his former team look any worse in the long term.

The salary explosion actually makes ownership relationships seem longer and tougher. Is this No. 2 star really value $40 million? Is the No. 1 really value $60 million?

Those numbers won't look quite as huge if the brand new TV deal raises the salary cap. However, for check signers, sticker shock will still be present.

At some point, having such an albatross figure eating up a lot of the salary cap makes it difficult to maneuver. The Jazz considered moving on from Lauri Markkanen before signing him for $48 million per yr for the following 4 years. The Suns can have three players earning over $50 million next season, which is currently putting Phoenix under real pressure within the Championship with penalties for crossing the second frontcourt looming.

This climate wouldn’t make loyalty so attractive. Lillard is a cautionary tale about loyalty to a fault. He spent years of his prime on a Portland Trail Blazers team that had no real likelihood of winning a title. Could he have a title if he were in Miami in 2023 and faced the Denver Nuggets within the NBA Finals? We'll never know because he was still in danger for his life for Portland.

Market size is less relevant in the trendy media climate. The recent CBA's salary cut makes it less viable to remain at home. The league has intentionally increased the variety of teams on the verge of seriousness. It is a preparation that is certain to fertilize other grasses as well.

How long before Joel Embiid wants a fresh start? How long will Ja Morant be content with being the runner-up if the Grizzlies don't construct a winner around him?

If we strip away the sentimentality and limit it solely to basketball maneuvers, is it higher for the Bucks to send their pillar to Oklahoma City, which could offer by far the largest bounty of any team? No one could blame Antetokounmpo for wanting this.

Because what also applies to the age of parity is the benefit of falling behind. Hopes for a ship may disappear as quickly as they dock if the League can reorganize itself so easily. The right role player can bring a team into contention, let alone an All-Star. How many teams could change their odds by adding Butler?

Conversely, a team that was looking forward to coming can suddenly seem far-off. Just two years ago, Sacramento and Memphis appeared to be the longer term.

It's still early, however it looks like Milwaukee is falling behind. It's all the time dangerous to leap to conclusions when there's still Halloween candy left (even when it's candy corn, which nobody actually likes). Especially for a team that misses a player nearly as good as Middleton. But seasons have vibrations. Tones are set. Patterns begin to develop. Antetokounmpo has already praised the team's performance.

An example of chemistry and cohesion is the production within the fourth quarter. And late in games, it looked like Milwaukee would stay together until the youngsters graduated highschool.

Entering Monday, the Bucks ranked twenty fifth within the fourth quarter (26.2) and second-to-last in fourth-quarter offensive rating (105.6). Milwaukee has the fourth-worst offensive efficiency within the clutch, averaging just 89.3 points per 100 possessions and clutch time. Only the Chicago Bulls, Knicks and Thunder were worse – and Oklahoma City was so low since it's often chilly within the fourth quarter.

If the conclusion is that Dame and Giannis aren't the duo to take over the league like we thought, but I used to be sure they might be, what's the Bucks' next move?

Giannis should stay in Milwaukee.

Because the reverse can be true. If it's easier to rebuild in a league that frowns on hoarding superstars, it must be even easier with an anchor in place. The hardest piece to get is the biggest.

Furthermore, we have now seen where the NBA might be heading. With all markets now in play and superstars more evenly distributed across the league, player movement could increase. A Game of Thrones-style power shift.

While that actually brings a component of pleasure because the league continually reforms its contender class and jerseys expire faster than whole milk, the sentimentality takes by itself value. Having a franchise pillar is becoming increasingly essential.

And since this can be a business still driven by superstar appeal, there’ll all the time be something special in regards to the players who endure a house.

Sure, they might miss out on the best conversations of all time because their trophy case is restricted by the resources of their team and the acumen of the front office. But they’re amongst essentially the most revered and revered.

Giannis should stay in Milwaukee.

The athlete