Another day, another talking head trying to push a narrative about Giannis Antetokounmpo leaving the Milwaukee Bucks. On ESPN's First Take, Shams Charania reports that there is nothing new on the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is reportedly still weighing his options about whether or not Milwaukee is where he'd like to continue playing. This has been going on for nearly a decade.
"Sources tell me there's still nothing set in stone about whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will stay in Milwaukee or whether he will be leaving. And so he's continuing to evaluate his future."
Giannis' decision-making remains as tactical as ever
Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks have been on the same page for years. As long as the franchise is committed to winning as much as he is, they are fine. Outside of drafting Bogoljub Markovic, who is a project player and likely won't be ready for NBA action for at least a few more years, the front office has done nothing but showcase that they are all-in this entire summer.
Knowing Damian Lillard was going to miss likely all of next year, they tactically waived and stretched his contract to sign Myles Turner. A team that isn't all-in doesn't do that. Furthermore, they displayed a commitment to getting younger, faster, and more athletic, something this roster desperately had to do around Giannis to maximize him.
Charania previously reported that Giannis played a key part in Turner coming to Milwaukee in the first place this summer, with the two-time MVP recruiting the center. It would be quite the head-scratcher to recruit someone to play with you only to leave after.
Giannis isn't going to come out and say he's staying in Milwaukee. While they already likely know it, the thought will always keep the front office on their toes and make sure they remain aggressive at every turn. Jon Horst has never needed the extra little push, pulling off blockbusters over the years for players like Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard, but it never hurt.
There is also the angle of draft picks. Milwaukee's 2031 first-rounder is so valuable due to teams not knowing if Giannis will be there. If he commits long-term, it becomes less valuable. If he leaves things up in the air, teams will be banging down the door trying to get that pick because of how good it may be in six years.
Just like every other year, Giannis Antetokounmpo is likely staying in Milwaukee. There has been no indication that the Greek Freak is ready to go. With a revamped roster, all eyes are on next season.
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