Giannis Antetokounmpo focused on season, not contract situation

Antetokounmpo Giannis has until the 21st of December to sign the extension. If he fails to do so, he will be a free agent after the 2020-21 season.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose contract status is currently the NBA’s most significant off-court issue not related to the virus, skillfully avoided revealing any information about his plans to either sign or not sign a new contract to remain in Milwaukee on Wednesday.

The current holder of the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player title for two consecutive years has until December 21 to accept a “supermax” extension offer, estimated to be worth $228 million over five years, starting from the end of the 2020-21 season. If he agrees, it is projected that the Bucks will be in the running for the championship throughout the term of the contract.

Should Antetokounmpo reject the offer, he would become an unrestricted free agent by next summer. Though he could still choose to re-sign with the Bucks, not accepting the extension could plunge this season into chaos. It would also serve as a signal to the fans, the city, the franchise, and the league that the versatile 6-foot-11 wing may be considering other options to fulfill his desire for a championship ring.

“Currently, my focus isn’t on that,” said Antetokounmpo during a Zoom media session post the Bucks’ midday camp workout. “My concentration right now is on personal improvement, aiding my teammates in their growth, and ensuring we are prepared for our first preseason game against Dallas on Saturday.”

With some new additions, will the Bucks make a deep playoff run this season?

For approximately 15 minutes, Antetokounmpo was peppered with questions about his future plans. Despite the numerous attempts, the two-time MVP remained elusive, shedding no light on his intentions. To put it another way, if former Slam Dunk winner Nate Robinson could dodge and deflect as efficiently as the Greek Freak demonstrated on Wednesday, his boxing debut wouldn’t have resulted in a viral face-plant.

Antetokounmpo consistently let his agent Alex Saratsis handle discussions with the Bucks ownership and general manager Jon Horst over meals like lunch, dinner and brunch. Antetokounmpo expressed, “I engage in what I love, which is playing basketball, improving my skills, aiding my teammates to get better, and winning games.”

Regarding matters off the court like agents and contracts, I’m not concentrating on that presently. It’s not that I don’t value it – it’s an incredibly significant decision, likely the most substantial one I’ll ever make.

The significance of Antetokounmpo, both literally and metaphorically, is enormous. He is among the few NBA stars whose inclusion in a team can imply championship potential. Furthermore, a change in his team location could influence the league’s power balance for years to come. He’s only 26, and he marked this age on the first day of camp Sunday, where his teammates made it very clear, although not subtly, their stance on his contract decision.

They gave him pens as gifts, one after another.

“He said, ‘At first, it didn’t make sense to me. Khris [Middleton] handed me a gift and I was taken aback, wondering what it was. Then it dawned on me that he wanted me to sign the contract.”

The first and second times, I laughed. When it happened the third time and I ended up with about 20 pens, it started to lose its charm. Now, I have 20 pens stored in my locker.

Have the Bucks done enough this offseason to convince Giannis to stay in Milwaukee?

In the 2019-20 season, Antetokounmpo made history with his impressive statistics. Averaging 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, he earned not only his second MVP but was also recognized as Defensive Player of the Year. Over the last two regular seasons, he successfully led Milwaukee to an impressive record of 116-39, the best in the NBA. Under his leadership, the Bucks also rose to the top of the defensive rankings.

Quick eliminations from the playoffs in both years – first against Toronto in the 2019 Eastern Conference finals, then against Miami in the semi-finals in the Orlando bubble – have sparked rumors that Antetokounmpo may be seeking additional support that Milwaukee may not be able to provide. Doubts about his game also exist, which some interpret as a need for an MVP-caliber partner, similar to the successful pairing of LeBron James and Anthony Davis with the Lakers.

Antetokounmpo has never indicated anything of the sort; he has only ever voiced gratitude for his teammates, the organization, and the market. However, his choice in the upcoming 12 days may reveal his sentiments towards Middleton, Brook Lopez, the newly recruited guard Jrue Holiday, and a revamped substitute roster, as they collectively strive for The Finals.

Antetokounmpo made it clear that, despite not subscribing to a championship-or-bust mindset for this Bucks season, the five-game loss to the Heat was unacceptable.

“He stated, “Our performance in the bubble was not a true representation of our abilities. It fell significantly short of our potential. As we approach the season, our main objective is to improve. We aim to be the most resilient and aggressive team that works cohesively. However, we must proceed gradually. No one desires to win a championship more than I do, I can assure you of that. But there are necessary steps to be taken.”

“Winning the championship is my goal,” Antetokounmpo continued. “I’m not striving for second, third, or fifth place. My aim is to be the best.”

How many games will the Bucks win in 2020-21?

Teammates, coaches, and staff are not just passive observers. Middleton and Lopez, for example, inked lucrative deals last year that ensure they remain under Milwaukee’s control until at least 2023.

“Middleton, a two-time All-Star, expressed last week, “He is aware of my deep desire for him to come back and sign this extension. However, I understand that he’s facing a significant decision that he needs to navigate himself and discuss with his family, who are the most important people to him. Regardless of his choice, he knows that he has my full support.”

Coach Mike Budenholzer stated, “I fully respect and comprehend the questions and the world’s perspective on this. However, when you’re in a training camp or practice, your main focus is figuring out our pick-and-roll defense strategy and the offense we’re running.”

“You simply lose yourself in the process. You become consumed by what you’re doing. You’re engrossed in figuring out how to succeed.”

Of course, having Giannis is a better option than not having him.

Antetokounmpo was asked multiple times why he wouldn’t sign the extension immediately, given that he plans to do so by the Dec. 21 deadline, especially since the Bucks’ offer is at its maximum in terms of length and value.

Giannis has put together thrilling back-to-back Kia MVP campaigns.

He evaded that tactic too. (Technically, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Antetokounmpo could sign a non-supermax contract for fewer years and less money after Dec. 21. But there would be no advantage to that, other than perhaps dialing up pressure on the Bucks front office to keep the team highly competitive.)

“The No. 15 draft pick of 2013, who was just a lean 18-year-old then but is much more developed and savvy now, said, ‘It’s not on my mind. What I’m focused on is playing basketball and getting better every day. That’s been my goal since day one and it’s never going to change, be it Year 8 or Year 25.”

“I have complete confidence in my agent, Jon Horst, and the team owners. I understand the magnitude of this in Milwaukee, the NBA, the media, and beyond. However, I am a private individual. When I make a decision or sign a contract, chances are, you all will know before I do.”

I would appreciate it if, moving forward, we could limit our discussions about that topic and focus more on basketball. The answer will remain unchanged regardless.

Whether you like it or not, the questions will continue to arise. They will persist until Antetokounmpo signs his next contract, whether that happens this month or the following summer.

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