Giannis Antetokounmpo focused on season, not contract situation

If Giannis Antetokounmpo does not sign the extension by Dec. 21, he will become a free agent following the 2020-21 season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star player of the Milwaukee Bucks, skillfully avoided revealing his plans on Wednesday regarding his contract status, which is considered the biggest off-court, non-virus related issue in the league. He did not indicate whether he intends to sign – or not sign – a new contract to remain in Milwaukee.

The current two-time winner of the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player award has until December 21 to accept a five-year “supermax” extension, estimated at $228 million, which would kick in after the 2020-21 season. If he accepts, it’s projected that the Bucks would be in contention for the title throughout the term of the contract.

Should Antetokounmpo reject the offer, he will be an unrestricted free agent by next summer. Even then, he could still sign a contract with the Bucks, but refusing the extension could cause chaos in the current season. Moreover, it would indicate to fans, the city, the franchise, and the league that the dynamic 6-foot-11 player may be looking to go elsewhere in his pursuit of a championship ring.

During a Zoom media session following the Bucks’ midday camp workout, Antetokounmpo stated, “At the moment, I’m not concentrating on that. I’m primarily working on self-improvement, figuring out how I can enhance my own skills, aid my teammates in their improvement, and ensure we’re prepared for our first preseason game against Dallas this Saturday.”

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For around 15 minutes, Antetokounmpo was questioned about his future plans in numerous ways, but the two-time MVP kept his cards close to his chest, providing no useful information. If former Slam Dunk champion Nate Robinson could dodge and weave as skillfully as the Greek Freak demonstrated on Wednesday, he might have avoided the embarrassing face-plant in his infamous boxing debut.

Antetokounmpo has continuously allowed his agent, Alex Saratsis, to take the lead in negotiations with Bucks’ ownership and General Manager Jon Horst, discussing matters over various meals. Antetokounmpo expressed his passion saying, “I love playing basketball, improving my skills, helping my teammates to get better, and winning games.”

I’m not concentrating on matters regarding agents and contracts off the court. It’s not that I disregard it – it’s a monumental decision, likely the most significant one I’ll ever make.

Antetokounmpo’s status, both literally and figuratively, is significant because he is among the few NBA stars who can transform a team into a contender. His potential move could alter the NBA power dynamics for years to come. After all, he is only 26 years old. During his birthday celebration on the first day of camp Sunday, his teammates made their opinions on his contract decision apparent in a rather straightforward manner.

They presented him with pens as gifts, one following the other.

“He said, ‘Initially, I didn’t understand.’ Khris [Middleton] came in and handed me a gift. I was taken aback, wondering, ‘What’s this?’ Then it dawned on me that he wanted me to sign the contract.”

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

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In the 2019-20 season, Antetokounmpo delivered a historically significant performance. His average was 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, and he not only secured his second MVP title but also the Defensive Player of the Year recognition. Over the previous two regular seasons, he guided Milwaukee to an impressive 116-39 record, the highest in the NBA, and lifted the Bucks to the top of the defensive rankings.

However, unexpected eliminations from the playoffs in successive years – versus Toronto in the 2019 Eastern Conference finals, and then against Miami in the conference semifinals in the Orlando bubble – have sparked speculation that Antetokounmpo may require more assistance to secure a victory than Milwaukee can offer. Some also see weaknesses in his game, indicating that he might need a teammate of MVP caliber, similar to the partnership of LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the Lakers.

Antetokounmpo has always demonstrated gratitude for his teammates, the organization, and the market; he has never suggested otherwise. However, his choice in the upcoming 12 days could potentially reveal his sentiments towards Middleton, Brook Lopez, the recently recruited guard Jrue Holiday, and a revamped bench, all united in their quest for The Finals.

Antetokounmpo, while not subscribing to a championship-or-bust perspective for this Bucks season, unequivocally stated that the five-game defeat to the Heat was not acceptable.

“He said, ‘The bubble didn’t accurately reflect who we are. We have much more potential than what we displayed. 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 need to proceed gradually. I assure you, no one is more eager to win a championship than I am. But we have a process to follow.”

Antetokounmpo further stated, “I’m not in the game for anything less than the championship. I’m not aiming to be second, third or fifth. I’m striving to be the best.”

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Team members, coaches, and staff are not just impassive observers. For example, Middleton and Lopez inked profitable contracts last year, ensuring Milwaukee retains them at least until 2023.

“Last week, Middleton, a two-time All-Star, expressed, ‘He is fully aware of my deep desire for him to come back and sign this extension. However, I also understand that he has a significant decision to make, one that he needs to discuss with his family, who are the most important people in this situation. Regardless of his choice, he knows that my support for him is unwavering.'”

Coach Mike Budenholzer expressed, “I fully respect and comprehend the queries and the global perspective on this issue. However, when you are in a training camp or practice, your main focus is understanding the pick-and-roll defense and the offense we’re executing.”

“You find yourself lost in the process. You become consumed by your tasks. You’re swept away in the attempt to figure out how to succeed.”

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

Antetokounmpo was repeatedly asked why he wouldn’t sign the extension now, considering he plans to do so by the Dec. 21 deadline, especially since the Bucks’ offer is at its maximum 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 in 2013, who was just a skinny 18-year-old then, but is much more evolved and clever today, said, “It’s not on my mind. My focus is on playing basketball and improving every day. This has been my mindset since the very beginning and it will never change. Whether it’s the 8th year or the 25th, it won’t change.”

I have faith in my agent, Jon Horst, and the owners. I understand that this is a significant matter not just in Milwaukee but also in the NBA, the media, and beyond. However, I am a private individual. When I make a decision or sign a contract, it’s likely that you will be aware of it even before I am.

Therefore, I would appreciate if we could limit our discussions about that topic in the future and primarily focus on basketball. The response will remain unchanged regardless.

Whether one likes it or not, the questions will persist. They will continue to arise until Antetokounmpo signs his forthcoming deal, whether that happens this month or next summer.

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