Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s agent discusses free agency
By Dalton Sell
With Giannis Antetokounmpo set to become the most coveted free agent target in the league after next season, the reigning MVP’s agent, Alex Saratsis, provided some insight into what his decision could depend on.
Having another sensational season for the Milwaukee Bucks and finding himself atop the league’s MVP ladder, Giannis Antetokounmpo is taking this team to new heights. Possessing the best record throughout the league at 46-8 and being the title favorites at the moment, this team is in the best position possible.
However, that has not stopped speculation about whether the four-time All-Star could leave Milwaukee in his free agency after the 2020-21 season. Teams such as the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors are reportedly set to make a huge run at the superstar, and his agent has not made secret of the fact that, “everything is open.”
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Alex Saratsis, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s agent, had an in-depth conversation with Pete Zervakis of WTMJ-TV’s. Saratsis claims free agency has not crossed his client’s mind, as he is focused on winning a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks this season.
Although Antetokounmpo has nothing to provide on free agency, Saratsis shared his thoughts on just what might come into mind when free agency arrives.
"“I think he’s someone who could easily say, ‘I’d like to be in Milwaukee my entire career.’ I think he’s also someone who, depending on how the team does, could say, ‘I need a change.’ But for him, staying is absolutely a viable option.”"
These comments might not provide much insight as they are essentially hypotheticals, but right now, all Antetokounmpo wants to do is win, and Milwaukee has given him the tools to do so. Handing out lucrative contracts to starters Eric Bledsoe, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez recently, this group is obviously in win-now mode with championship aspirations.
As Saratsis details, Antetokounmpo’s decision could come down to how the team performs alongside him. The Bucks believe these are the pieces that will best complement Giannis, and although they have been stellar in the regular season, it all comes down to the playoffs.
After a heartbreaking collapse in the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the Milwaukee Bucks have come out with something to prove thus far. With an NBA Title run in mind, stakes are very high for the team right now. Another postseason blunder could become drastic and make Antetokounmpo’s decision a lot easier for him.
At this moment, very little is known about Antetokounmpo’s looming free agency next offseason. Yet, Milwaukee does have the most significant advantage over any team right now; Loyalty.
Saratsis later stated that, “Giannis believes in loyalty, he believes in the people who’ve been there with him from the beginning, and I think he feels that kinship to the city because they really have helped raise him.”
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At the moment, it appears that Milwaukee is in the ideal position to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo for the long haul. The only missing piece to solidify his decision is the NBA championship that the 25-year-old has desired to bring back to the city of Milwaukee for the first time in decades.