Giannis Antetokounmpo focused on season, not contract situation

Giannis Antetokounmpo has until December 21st to sign the extension; if not, he will become a free agent following the 2020-21 season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star player of the Milwaukee Bucks, skillfully avoided revealing any information about his intentions to sign or not sign a new contract to remain in Milwaukee on Wednesday. His contract status has become the biggest non-virus related off-court storyline in the league.

The current two-time Kia NBA Most Valuable Player has until Dec. 21 to accept a five-year “supermax” extension, estimated to be worth $228 million, which would start after the 2020-21 season. If he agrees to this, it is projected that the Bucks would be contenders for the championship throughout the duration of the contract.

Should Antetokounmpo reject the offer, he will be an unrestricted free agent by next summer. Although he still has the chance to re-sign with the Bucks, declining the extension could create chaos this season and indicate to fans, the city, the franchise, and the league that the adaptable 6-foot-11 wing might look elsewhere for the championship ring he desires.

Currently, Antetokounmpo said during a Zoom media session following the Bucks’ midday training, “I’m not concentrating on that. I’m simply trying to improve myself, help my teammates improve, and prepare for our first preseason game against Dallas this Saturday.”

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For around 15 minutes, Antetokounmpo was questioned about his plans in multiple ways, but the two-time MVP continuously offered no clarity. If ex-Slam Dunk champion Nate Robinson had been as adept at dodging and deflecting as the Greek Freak demonstrated on Wednesday, he might have avoided the face-plant that made his boxing debut go viral.

Antetokounmpo consistently handed over to his agent, Alex Saratsis, who has been involved in talks with Bucks’ ownership and general manager, Jon Horst, over various meals. Antetokounmpo stated, “I do what I am passionate about. My passion lies in playing basketball, improving my skills, aiding my teammates to enhance their abilities, and winning games.”

Regarding agents and contracts off the court, I’m not concentrating on that. It’s not that I’m indifferent towards it – it’s likely the most significant decision I’ll ever make.

Antetokounmpo’s significance cannot be understated, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. He is among a select few NBA superstars who can instantly turn a team into a title contender. Furthermore, his potential transfer could alter the dynamics of power within the league for many years. After all, he is only 26 years old, celebrating this milestone on the first day of camp Sunday, with his teammates making their stance on his contract decision abundantly clear, albeit in a very direct manner.

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

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

The first and second times, I laughed. By the third time… and then receiving about 20 pens, it started to grow tedious. Now I have 20 pens stashed away in my locker.

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In the 2019-20 season, Antetokounmpo delivered an extraordinary statistical performance. He averaged 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. Alongside his second MVP award, he was also recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year. Over the previous two regular seasons, he has guided Milwaukee to an impressive combined record of 116-39, the best in the NBA. Under his leadership, the Bucks also rose to the top spot in defensive rankings.

However, sudden departures from the playoffs in consecutive years — versus Toronto in the 2019 Eastern Conference finals, then against Miami in the conference semi-finals within the Orlando bubble — have sparked rumors that Antetokounmpo may require more support to secure a win than Milwaukee can offer. Some perceive his game’s shortcomings as an indication that he needs a co-MVP caliber partner, similar to the partnership between LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the Lakers.

Antetokounmpo has never suggested anything of the sort; his words have always been full of appreciation for his teammates, the organization, and the market. However, his decision in the forthcoming 12 days could give a clear indication of his feelings towards Middleton, Brook Lopez, newly recruited guard Jrue Holiday, and a revamped bench, all of whom are his partners in their quest for The Finals.

Antetokounmpo, while not subscribing to a championship-or-nothing perspective for this Bucks season, emphasized that their five-game defeat to the Heat was inexcusable.

“He stated, “The performance we displayed in the bubble didn’t reflect our true capabilities. It was far from our potential. Our priority for the upcoming season is to improve. We aim to be the most resilient and aggressive team that plays in unison. However, we need to proceed gradually. I can assure you, no one desires to win a championship more than I do. But we need to follow the process.”

“Antetokounmpo added, ‘I’m not playing for anything less than the championship. My goal isn’t to finish second, third, or fifth. I’m playing to be the best.'”

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Middleton and Lopez, for example, are not mere disinterested spectators, along with their teammates, coaches, and staff. They both signed profitable contracts last year that ensure they will remain under Milwaukee’s control until at least 2023.

“Middleton, a two-time All-Star, expressed last week that he sincerely wants him to come back and sign the extension. However, he understands that a significant decision lies ahead for him which he has to mull over with his family, who are the most important people in his life. Whatever choice he makes, he is assured of Middleton’s full support,” he stated.

Coach Mike Budenholzer stated, “I fully respect and comprehend the inquiries, as well as the global viewpoint on this issue. However, during training camp and practice, our focus is figuring out our pick-and-roll defense and offensive strategies.”

“You simply lose yourself in the process. You become absorbed in what you’re doing. You immerse yourself in the quest to find a way to win.”

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

Antetokounmpo was repeatedly questioned about why he wouldn’t sign the extension now, given that he intends to do so before the Dec. 21 deadline, especially since the Bucks’ offer is already 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 thought doesn’t cross my mind,” expressed the individual who was the 15th draft pick in 2013; he was merely a lanky 18-year-old back then, but today, he’s significantly more mature and astute. “My focus is on playing basketball and enhancing my skills every single day. That has always been my main concern since the beginning and it will never waver. Whether it’s the 8th year or the 25th, it remains the same.”

I have faith in my agent, Jon Horst, and the team’s owners. I understand the immense importance of this situation in Milwaukee, the NBA community, and the media industry. However, I am a private individual. So, when I make a decision or sign a contract, you all will likely be aware of it before I am.

I would appreciate it if, from this point forward, we could refrain from discussing that topic as much and concentrate on basketball instead. The response will remain unchanged regardless.

Whether you like it or not, the questions will continue to come. They won’t stop until Antetokounmpo signs his next contract, whether that’s this month or next summer.

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