Why were the Milwaukee Bucks’ top brass spotted in Cyprus? It wasn’t for a vacation! Doc Rivers and GM Jon Horst made a highly visible show of support for Giannis Antetokounmpo at EuroBasket. But what’s really behind this strategic visit, and what does it mean for Giannis’s future in Milwaukee? The stakes couldn’t be higher.

In a powerful display of commitment, the Milwaukee Bucks’ top brass, including Head Coach Doc Rivers and General Manager Jon Horst, made a highly visible appearance at EuroBasket 2025. Their mission was clear: to offer unwavering support for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo as he competes for the Greek national team, a move that comes amidst persistent NBA rumors surrounding his long-term NBA Futures with the franchise.

This strategic visit underscores the ongoing speculation about Antetokounmpo’s contentment in Milwaukee. Following another early exit from the postseason, questions have resurfaced regarding his future, with whispers suggesting he might seek to leave if the Milwaukee Bucks are not perceived as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.

The Milwaukee Bucks have a well-documented history of proactive measures aimed at keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo happy and invested in the team’s success. Their aggressive approach in previous trade deadlines and free agency periods has consistently demonstrated a willingness to make bold moves to build a championship-caliber roster around their two-time MVP.

A recent and significant example of this strategy was the surprising decision to waive and stretch the contract of Damian Lillard. This move, spearheaded by Jon Horst, created crucial cap space, enabling the Milwaukee Bucks to sign a prominent big man in free agency—another high-stakes gamble designed to appease Giannis Antetokounmpo and strengthen the team’s immediate prospects.

However, the effectiveness of such high-risk maneuvers remains a subject of debate. While the acquisition of Jrue Holiday famously led to an NBA title, the Lillard experiment did not pan out as hoped. Industry analysts now ponder whether the waiving and stretching of Lillard’s massive salary might inadvertently place a cap on the Milwaukee Bucks’ long-term ceiling, even as it aims to raise their immediate floor.

Despite the persistent NBA rumors, Giannis Antetokounmpo has offered indications of his happiness and plans to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks. Yet, a definitive, unequivocal statement that would completely silence all speculation about his NBA Futures has remained elusive, keeping the franchise and its fanbase on edge.

It is in this climate of uncertainty that Doc Rivers and Jon Horst’s presence at EuroBasket 2025 becomes particularly significant. This very public show of support is a calculated effort by the Milwaukee Bucks to visibly reinforce their dedication to Giannis Antetokounmpo, with the ultimate goal of securing a long-term contract extension next offseason.

The Milwaukee Bucks are not alone in adopting this strategy; other prominent NBA teams are also deploying similar tactics. For instance, the Dallas Mavericks recently sent their own contingent to support Luka Dončić, further affirming his status as their franchise cornerstone after he signed an extension earlier this summer, highlighting a league-wide trend in nurturing superstar relationships.