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Giannis Raises Eyebrows with Unexpected Comments on Milwaukee Extension

Published August 24, 2023 at 8:22 PM
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Giannis Antetokounmpo, the face of the Milwaukee Bucks, is in a pivotal decision regarding his long-term commitment to the team. As he contemplates the possibility of an extension, one thing is clear: his path forward is intricately tied to the franchise's pursuit of another NBA title.

In an interview with The New York Times' Tania Ganguli, Antetokounmpo shed light on his stance, saying,
"The real question's not going to be this year - numbers-wise it doesn't make sense. But next year, next summer it would make more sense for both parties. Even then, I don't know."

His focus lies on ensuring that everyone involved is aligned towards the common goal of championship glory.

"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," emphasized Antetokounmpo.

Currently, the 28-year-old star has the option to extend his stay with a three-year, approximately $173-million deal. This extension would build upon the foundation of his initial five-year, $228-million super-max agreement signed in December 2020. However, a bigger opportunity presents itself if he waits until the summer of 2024. By doing so, he could secure an even more substantial deal by adding an extra year at the maximum value.


Alternatively, Antetokounmpo could opt to wait until 2025, forgoing a $51.9-million option for 2025-26, thus becoming a free agent. This path offers the tantalizing possibility of signing an entirely new maximum contract. While it holds the allure of the largest potential deal, it also carries the risk of uncertainty due to the waiting game involved.

Moreover, shifts in Milwaukee's coaching lineup might influence Antetokounmpo's decision about his future with the Bucks. Following the departure of Mike Budenholzer, who led the team to their first championship in half a century in 2021, the Bucks brought in Adrian Griffin as their new head coach. The dynamics between Antetokounmpo and the coaching staff are key considerations for his commitment to the team's championship journey.

Antetokounmpo conveyed,
"At the end of the day, I feel like all my teammates know and the organization knows that I want to win a championship. As long as we're on the same page with that and you show me and we go together to win a championship, I'm all for it."

His allegiance to Milwaukee is undeniable, with a decade of dedication that includes an NBA title, multiple MVP and All-NBA honors, and a Defensive Player of the Year accolade.

As his 10-year tenure in Milwaukee continues, Antetokounmpo's ultimate decision will not only shape his career but also impact the Bucks' trajectory. His desire for championship success and the team's ability to align with that aspiration will determine the narrative of this next chapter in his storied journey.

thescore.com
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August 24   |   59 answers
Giannis Raises Eyebrows with Unexpected Comments on Milwaukee Extension

What Should Giannis Antetokounmpo Do Next?

Sign the extension now for a sure deal.1627.1 %
Wait until 2024 for a bigger contract2339 %
Hold out until 2025 and explore new options.2033.9 %
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