Despite having two years and a player option left on his current deal, the Milwaukee Bucks can offer Giannis Antetokounmpo an extension in the coming months.
He’ll be eligible for a three-year deal worth around $173 million. However, not many expect the two-time MVP to sign the deal, and understandably so, as he can wait to earn more money over more years down the line. In an interview with Tania Ganguli of the New York Times (Subscription required), Antetokounmpo revealed what will factor into his decision-making with a new deal.
Giannis Antetokounmpo speaks about upcoming contract extension talks
First and foremost, Antetokounmpo made it clear that he’s unlikely to sign the three-year contract extension with the Bucks. He said it would make more sense to wait until next summer at the bare minimum, which is a legitimate argument, as he could earn more money. Giannis bypassing a new three-year extension should not be surprising and should not scare fans.
As always, Antetokounmpo has made it clear that he wants to stay with the Bucks as long as they are doing everything possible to compete for another championship. He said that if he believes the front office or anyone else is not on the same page, he won’t sign it. That also shouldn’t be overly surprising, as it keeps pressure on the front office to make sure this team is positioned to win.
In short, this article is nothing new. Every now and then, Antetokounmpo will reiterate his stance of wanting to win in Milwaukee while teasing the idea that he will leave if he believes they cannot win as constructed. General Manager Jon Horst and the rest of the staff have done a good job of consistently putting this team in a position to win it all year after year. That shouldn’t change.
Two years removed from their title, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks should be hungry to win again. If the Larry O’Brien Trophy is in their possession again next season, these extension talks could go over fairly smoothly. For now, it makes sense if the forward wants to hold off as he looks to get himself ready for the new NBA season following a recent knee procedure this off-season.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis and news this NBA off-season.