According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Antetokounmpo was “not pleased” with the way the front office handled the situation, which saw Lillard released with two years and $112.6 million remaining on his contract.

The Bucks’ decision came just days after Lillard underwent surgery for a torn Achilles tendon, an injury that is expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season. By waiving and stretching Lillard’s contract, Milwaukee will spread the financial impact—$22.5 million per year—over the next five seasons.

This move allowed the Bucks to offer Turner a four-year, $107 million deal, but it also meant the abrupt end of the much-anticipated Giannis-Lillard partnership, which never fully materialized due to injuries and consecutive first-round playoff exits.

Uncertainty Over Giannis’ Future in Milwaukee

Antetokounmpo’s dissatisfaction has added to growing speculation about his long-term future with the Bucks. League sources indicate that the star forward was not only frustrated by the decision itself but also by the manner in which it was executed, reportedly feeling blindsided and left out of the loop during the process.

Shortly before the news broke, Giannis posted a cryptic message on social media: “I don’t know what’s going on right now,” further fueling questions about his relationship with the front office and his commitment to the franchise.

The Bucks’ aggressive roster overhaul—waiving an All-Star guard to sign a new frontcourt anchor—was made with Giannis’ championship window in mind. However, the move has instead introduced new uncertainty. NBA insiders, including Shams Charania, have noted that Antetokounmpo remains “open-minded” about his future and is carefully assessing whether Milwaukee remains the best fit for his prime years.

Bucks Face Critical Juncture After Shocking Offseason Moves

The Bucks’ decision to release Lillard, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade just two seasons ago, marks a dramatic shift in the team’s strategy. While the front office hopes that pairing Turner with Antetokounmpo will restore Milwaukee’s defensive identity and title hopes, the fallout from Lillard’s exit and Giannis’ dissatisfaction could have far-reaching consequences for the franchise’s stability and competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.

As Milwaukee prepares for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Antetokounmpo’s next steps. His reaction to the Lillard move has left the Bucks in a precarious position, with their future now hinging on their ability to regain the trust and commitment of their franchise cornerstone.