Despite having the third-best record in the Eastern Conference this season, the Milwaukee Bucks look vulnerable entering the playoffs. This is particularly true with the status of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo up in the air for their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers, who have beaten the Bucks four times this season.
Factor in that since hiring Doc Rivers, Milwaukee has just a 17-19 record and fans can't be too excited about their prospects. Especially since the team played better under their previous coach, Adrian Griffin, who was 30-13 over the team's first 43 games.
That leads to an interesting rumor that one of their best players could want out this summer if the team fails to advance deep into the playoffs.
Stephen A. Smith says Damian Lillard isn’t happy in Milwaukee
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 15, 2024
"If Milwaukee loses, I think you need to consider moving Dame up outta there. I'm not talking about his game. He's not happy there."
(Via @FirstTake / h/t @ClutchPoints ) pic.twitter.com/bWCBDxLnQX
NBA Rumors: Could Damian Lillard demand a trade this summer if the Milwaukee Bucks fail in the playoffs?
If Stephen A. Smith is right about Lillard being unhappy in Milwaukee and potentially wanting out, it would be a disaster for the Bucks. After all, the Bucks gave up most of their remaining trade assets as well as Jrue Holiday to acquire him and after an uneven season, he may fetch less than Milwaukee gave up to land him.
Not only that, but if he were to demand a trade, then what could prevent superstar Giannis from doing the same? That may be assuming a lot since we are not 100% sure how the Bucks will perform in the playoffs or whether Smith's assertion is accurate.
Nevertheless, a first-round exit that follows a turbulent regular season may not bode well for the team. The Bucks could potentially fire Doc Rivers this summer, which in and of itself would imply disfunction since it'd mean they have gone through their third coach in a year.
Then, if Lillard demands a trade, they would have to find a suitable deal that would keep Giannis from doing the same. That would be hard to do, not only since Lillard would be coming off a less impressive season than he was last season and younger star point guards such as Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, and Dejounte Murray could be available. That could depress his trade value and make it harder for Milwaukee to receive fair value should it come to that.
All in all, all of this may be a moot point if the Bucks are able to take care of business and beat the Packers in the first round. However, it may take a deep playoff run to ensure there are no major changes this summer.
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