With Thanasis Antetokounmpo signed, the Milwaukee Bucks have bought themselves some time from the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors. However, they will be back later this NBA season, especially as an upcoming contract extension looms next summer. If Milwaukee's offseason youth experiment fails, convincing him to sign for longer could become much harder.
Bucks' best bet to secure a Giannis extension is by contending
Right off the bat, Giannis has always expressed his loyalty to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks for his entire NBA career. That hasn't changed. However, if the Bucks suffer another early exit and look like a team far off from contention, his desire to win could always potentially outweigh that. It's been over three years since the team was out of the first round, after all. At some point, enough will be enough.
That's why this has to work. If Milwaukee's retooled roster can defy the narratives and make a deep run this year, it will significantly boost Giannis' chances of staying with the team. The contract offer will be significant, surely the largest deal in NBA history in some regard. While that's enticing, winning as many titles as possible will also be at the forefront of Giannis Antetokounmpo's mind.
Even if they don't win a title this season, the Milwaukee Bucks have to show that they can contend.
Of course, Giannis will remain the engine that makes this team go. As long as they have him, they will have a chance. Everyone knows what he will bring. The focus is on the supporting case. Many have questioned whether or not this group is good enough to make a run in the East. They could ultimately be the deciding factor in Giannis' decision.
It's a different roster than the ones Milwaukee has deployed in recent memory. Rather than relying on big names, the Milwaukee Bucks have spread the wealth, forging a group built around quality role players who are young, athletic, and versatile. There are still roster holes, but this group has the tools to make some major noise.
Jon Horst, the incredibly aggressive general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks, knows what's at stake this season. He's gotten Giannis' signature before by pushing all of his chips to the center of the table, and he'll surely do it again. If the roster isn't performing up to expectations, don't expect him to sit still. He will canvas the market for help and be unafraid to make a splash if he has the opportunity.
Every single NBA fan will have eyes on Giannis and Milwaukee in 2025-26, as it could be a key point in the Greek Freak's tenure with the Bucks.
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