NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo told Tania Ganguli of The New York Times that he will not sign an extension with the Milwaukee Bucks this year. The two-time MVP will become eligible for a contract extension with the Bucks in September. In the wake of Antetokounmpo’s comments, Reign Amurao of Sportskeeda listed five potential destinations for Antetokounmpo, with one of them being the Golden State Warriors.
“The Golden State Warriors dynasty may soon come to an end, but they could revive it for a brief moment by getting Giannis,” Amurao wrote in his latest NBA column. “He may not be a shooter like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, but his team style of play could positively affect the team. Antetokounmpo playing for the Warriors may seem unfair, but it could happen down the line.”
The Bucks signed Antetokounmpo to a five-year, $228.2 million designated maximum contract extension in December 2020. The future Hall of Famer will make $45.6 million next season.
In 63 games for the Bucks last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists while shooting 55.3% from the floor, 27.5% from beyond the arc and 64.5% from the free-throw line. The seven-time All-Star recorded 46 double-doubles and six triple-doubles.
The Bucks won 58 games last season and were the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. However, Milwaukee lost to the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in five games. Antetokounmpo hurt his back in Game 1 of the series and missed Games 2 and 3. He got injured just 10 minutes into Game 1 in Milwaukee.
The Bucks re-signed Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez this offseason in free agency. They also replaced head coach Mike Budenholzer with Adrian Griffin. Antetokounmpo and Middleton met with Griffin during the interview process.
One of the greatest players in NBA history, Antetokounmpo has career averages of 22.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists. He guided the Bucks to the 2021 championship over the Phoenix Suns, winning Finals MVP along the way.
The Warriors created shockwaves by acquiring Kevin Durant in 2016. Only time will tell if they can break the NBA world again by getting Antetokounmpo.
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