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 after the 2020-21 season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star of the Milwaukee Bucks and whose contract status is the most significant non-virus off-court narrative in the league, skillfully avoided revealing any intentions of signing, or not signing, a new contract to remain in Milwaukee on Wednesday.

The current consecutive Kia NBA Most Valuable Player has until December 21 to accept a “supermax” extension for five years, estimated at $228 million, that would start following the 2020-21 season. If he agrees, the Bucks are expected to be championship contenders throughout the contract.

Should he reject the offer, Antetokounmpo will attain unrestricted free agency next summer. Although he could still re-sign with the Bucks, refusing the extension could plunge the season into chaos and send a message to fans, the city, the franchise, and the league that the multifaceted 6-foot-11 wing may look elsewhere for the championship ring he yearns for.

“Currently, I’m not concentrating on that,” said Antetokounmpo during a Zoom media session following the Bucks’ afternoon camp training. “My focus is mainly on self-improvement, assisting my teammates to improve, and preparing ourselves for our first preseason game against Dallas this Saturday.”

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For roughly 15 minutes, Antetokounmpo was questioned about his future plans in numerous ways, but the two-time MVP gave no revealing answers each time. To put it simply, if Nate Robinson, the former Slam Dunk champion, had been as adept at dodging and deflecting as the Greek Freak demonstrated on Wednesday, he could have avoided his disastrous face-plant during his infamous boxing debut.

Antetokounmpo has consistently allowed his agent Alex Saratsis to handle discussions with Bucks ownership and general manager Jon Horst, often over meals such as lunch, dinner, or brunch. “What I love is playing basketball, improving my skills, helping my teammates improve, and winning games,” Antetokounmpo said.

I’m not concentrating on agents and contracts off the court. It’s not that I don’t value it – it’s possibly the most significant decision I’ll ever make.

Antetokounmpo’s impact, both literal and metaphorical, is significant as he is one of the few NBA stars who can bestow championship contender status onto a team. His potential relocation could alter the league’s power dynamics for years. Moreover, he just turned 26, marking his birthday on the first day of the training camp. His teammates made it abundantly clear – albeit not subtly – their stance on his contract decision.

They presented him with pens as gifts, one after another.

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

I found it amusing the first and second times. But, by the third time, it started to lose its charm. Now I have about 20 pens, all stuffed into my locker.

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

In the 2019-20 season, Antetokounmpo achieved historic statistical records. He scored an average of 29.5 points, collected 13.6 rebounds, and made 5.6 assists. In addition to his second MVP award, he also received the Defensive Player of the Year award. Over the previous two regular seasons, he guided Milwaukee to an impressive 116-39 combined record, the best in the NBA. Under his leadership, the Bucks also topped the NBA’s defensive rankings.

Both years saw sudden departures from the playoffs – firstly against Toronto in the Eastern Conference finals in 2019 and then in the conference semi-finals against Miami in the Orlando bubble. This has sparked rumors that Antetokounmpo may desire more support than Milwaukee can offer to secure a win. His game isn’t perfect either, which has led some to believe that he is in need of a co-MVP caliber teammate, similar to the pair of LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the Lakers.

Antetokounmpo has never suggested otherwise; he has only ever shown gratitude towards his teammates, the organization, and the market. However, his decision in the upcoming 12 days could strongly indicate his feelings towards Middleton, Brook Lopez, the recently added guard Jrue Holiday, and a revamped bench as collaborators in the pursuit of The Finals.

Antetokounmpo, while not subscribing to the idea that this Bucks season was all about winning the championship, expressed that their five-game loss to the Heat was completely unacceptable.

“He said, ‘The performance we exhibited in the bubble wasn’t a true reflection of us. It didn’t come close to showcasing our actual capabilities. As we head into the season, our priority is to improve. We need to be the fiercest, the most aggressive, the team that plays as a cohesive unit. However, we must approach this progressively. I can assure you that nobody is more driven to secure a championship than me. But there are procedures to follow.”

“Playing for less than the championship isn’t my goal,” Antetokounmpo clarified. “I’m not aiming for second, third, or fifth place. My aim is to be the best.”

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Teammates, coaches, and staff are not just indifferent onlookers. For example, Middleton and Lopez inked profitable contracts last year, ensuring they remain under the control of Milwaukee at least until 2023.

“Last week, Middleton, a two-time All-Star, said, ‘He is aware of my deep desire for him to return and sign this extension. However, I understand that he has a significant decision to make. This is a decision he must work through by himself and with his family, who are the most important people to him. Regardless of his choice, he knows I will fully support him.'”

Coach Mike Budenholzer stated, “I fully respect and comprehend the inquiries and understand the world’s perspective on this matter. However, during a training camp or practice, our focus is on determining which pick-and-roll defense and offense we’re going to run.”

“You simply lose yourself in the process. You become absorbed in your actions. You become engrossed in strategizing how to succeed.”

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

Antetokounmpo was questioned multiple times as to why he wouldn’t sign the extension now, considering the Bucks’ offer is maxed out in both length and value, and he plans to do so by the Dec. 21 deadline.

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 number 15 draft pick in 2013, who was just a slender 18-year-old back then and has now matured and become a seasoned player, said, “It’s not on my mind.” He added, “What I’m focused on is playing basketball and getting better each day. That’s been my focus since Day 1 and it’s never going to change, whether it’s Year 8 or Year 25.”

I have faith in my agent, Jon Horst, and the team’s owners. I’m aware of how significant this is to Milwaukee, the NBA, the media, and beyond. However, I’ve always been a private individual. Likely, you’ll be privy to my decisions or contract signings before I even am.

I would appreciate if we could focus on basketball and avoid discussing that topic as much, since my response will remain unchanged.

Whether you like it or not, the questions will persist. They will keep coming until Antetokounmpo signs his next deal, whether that happens this month or next summer.

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