Giannis Antetokounmpo rejects Bucks governor’s claim sparks early camp drama

“I had a great conversation with Giannis in June, and he made it clear that he is committed to Milwaukee and he likes having his family here,” Edens remarked in his media availability.

Antetokounmpo, recovering from an active COVID-19 infection in his native Greece, joined journalists via Zoom. He directly challenged Edens’ claim, or at the very least, raised serious doubts about it.

“I cannot recall that meeting,” Antetokounmpo commented.

Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Bucks

Antetokounmpo has accomplished it all for the Bucks and built a Hall of Fame-worthy career as he nears his 13th NBA season. In his first 12 seasons, he has earned nine All-NBA selections, five All-Defensive honors, the 2019-20 Defensive Player of the Year award, an NBA championship, Finals MVP, and a spot on the 75th NBA Anniversary Team.

The Milwaukee Bucks fell short of advancing past the first round of the playoffs for a third consecutive season this spring, losing nine-time All-Star point guard Damian Lillard to a mid-series Achilles tendon tear.

During the offseason, the Bucks changed direction, opting to stretch and waive the 6-foot-2 Lillard’s remaining $112.6 million contract. Milwaukee will continue paying Lillard, who returned to the Portland Trail Blazers after the buyout, $22.5 million per year over the next five seasons without him playing for the team. The Bucks used the newly available cap space to sign center Myles Turner to a four-year, $108.9 million contract.

Will Giannis stay in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee seems to have been confident in retaining Giannis Antetokounmpo since June, as he never requested a trade despite swirling rumors. This gives Milwaukee another season to demonstrate they can compete at a high level. The Eastern Conference also works in their favor, with several teams facing significant injuries, slightly easing the competition. Yet, even with top-tier talent, the Bucks have not advanced beyond the first round in the past two seasons.

To keep Antetokounmpo committed, the Bucks will need to deliver deeper playoff runs this season. The question remains: can the Greek Freak elevate this revamped Bucks roster to its full potential?