Giannis Antetokounmpo sent the basketball world into a bit of a frenzy after recently hinting at the possibility of leaving the Milwaukee Bucks. The former back-to-back MVP made it abundantly clear that his ultimate goal is to win another championship and that he would be willing to achieve the same at all costs — even if it’s not in Milwaukee.
Giannis Antetokounmpo on Signing Extension This Summer: ‘Doesn’t Make Sense’
“I don’t want to be 20 years on the same team and don’t win another championship.”
These were Giannis’ exact words in a recent interview with the New York Times. It isn’t exactly an indication of his desire to jump ship in the near future, but at the same time, you could also interpret this as a reminder to the Bucks front office that he is indeed willing to take his talents elsewhere if he does not find success in Milwaukee.
These comments come at a very interesting time. Giannis will be eligible to sign an extension with the Bucks this summer, but at this point, Antetokounmpo has also made it clear that he won’t be placing his signature on the dotted line — at least not yet:
“The real question’s not going to be this year — numbers-wise it doesn’t make sense,” Antetokounmpo said, via Tania Ganguli of the New York Times. “But next year, next summer it would make more sense for both parties. Even then, I don’t know.”
“I would not be the best version of myself if I don’t know that everybody’s on the same page, everybody’s going for a championship, everybody’s going to sacrifice time away from their family like I do. And if I don’t feel that, I’m not signing.”
The simple truth is that Giannis is going to be able to sign a much bigger deal next summer — one that is expected to set a new NBA record for the biggest contract of all time. Antetkounmpo has always been loyal to the Bucks, and it doesn’t sound like he intends to leave next year, but at the same time, there’s no denying that he also wants to get paid. And rightfully so.
Be that as it may, Giannis’ biggest priority is still to win a championship. He has also stated unequivocally that he won’t be extending his tenure with the Bucks unless he feels that the organization is also aligned with his championship vision.
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