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 celebrated star of the Milwaukee Bucks, skillfully revealed nothing on Wednesday about his plans to either sign or not sign a new contract to remain in Milwaukee. His contract situation is currently the most significant off-court, non-virus related narrative in the league.

The current two-time Kia NBA Most Valuable Player has until December 21 to accept a five-year “supermax” extension, estimated at $228 million, which would start after the 2020-21 season. If he agrees, the Bucks are expected to be title contenders throughout the term of the contract.

Should Antetokounmpo refuse, he would become an unrestricted free agent by next summer. Though he could still choose to re-sign with the Bucks, declining the extension could cause chaos this season and indicate to the fans, the city, the franchise, and the league that the adaptable 6-foot-11 wing may look elsewhere for the championship ring he desires.

“Currently, I’m not paying attention to that,” Antetokounmpo stated during a Zoom media session following the Bucks’ midday camp training. “I’m solely concentrating on enhancing myself, figuring out ways to improve my teammates, and preparing ourselves for our first preseason game against Dallas this Saturday.”

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

For approximately 15 minutes, Antetokounmpo was repeatedly questioned about his plans, and each time, the two-time MVP provided no clarity. It’s fair to state that if Nate Robinson, the former Slam Dunk champion, had been as adept at dodging and deflecting as Antetokounmpo demonstrated on Wednesday, he may have avoided his infamous face-first fall in his viral boxing debut.

Antetokounmpo continuously allowed his agent, Alex Saratsis, to take the lead in negotiations with Bucks’ owners and general manager, Jon Horst, over various meals. Antetokounmpo expressed his passion, stating, “I do what I love. I love playing basketball, improving my skills, helping my teammates get better, and winning games.”

“I’m not concentrating on the off-court matters like agents and contracts. It’s not that I’m indifferent to it — it’s actually probably the most significant decision I’ll ever make.”

Antetokounmpo’s presence is significant in both a literal and metaphorical sense, as he’s one of the few NBA stars who can bestow a title contender status on any team he’s a part of. Any relocation on his part could potentially tip the league’s power balance for the foreseeable future. After all, he is merely 26, and celebrated this birthday on Sunday, the opening day of the camp, with his teammates openly expressing their stance on his contract decision.

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

“He said, “Initially, I was clueless,”. Khris [Middleton] walked in and handed me a gift. I was taken aback, wondering ‘What’s this?’ Later, it dawned on me that he wanted me to sign the contract.”

The first and second times I laughed. By the third time, it became monotonous when I ended up with around 20 pens. Now, I have 20 pens crowding my locker.

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

In the 2019-20 season, Antetokounmpo posted historic stats, averaging 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. Besides securing his second MVP, he also gained recognition as the Defensive Player of the Year. Under his leadership, Milwaukee achieved a combined record of 116-39 over the last two regular seasons, the best in the NBA. His influence also propelled the Bucks to the top of the defensive rankings.

However, unexpected departures from the playoffs in both years – facing Toronto in the 2019 Eastern Conference finals and then Miami in the conference semifinals in the Orlando bubble – have sparked rumors that Antetokounmpo may desire more support to secure a win than Milwaukee can offer. Some perceive flaws in his game as well, suggesting that he might need a fellow MVP-caliber colleague, similar to the dynamic between LeBron James and Anthony Davis with the Lakers.

Antetokounmpo has never insinuated any dissatisfaction; he has only shown gratitude for his teammates, the organization, and the market. However, his choice in the forthcoming 12 days may reveal his true feelings towards Middleton, Brook Lopez, the recently obtained guard Jrue Holiday, and an updated bench team, all of whom are striving for The Finals.

Despite not subscribing to a championship-or-nothing outlook for this Bucks season, Antetokounmpo was explicit that the five-game loss to the Heat was not acceptable.

“He said, ‘The performance we gave in the bubble wasn’t a true reflection of us. It didn’t even come close to displaying our full potential. As we approach the season, our primary goal is to improve. We aim to be the toughest, the most ruthless team that works in unity. However, we must progress gradually. I can assure you, no one desires to win a championship more than I do. Yet, there are steps we need to follow.”

“Antetokounmpo declared, ‘I’m not in the game just to participate, I’m not aiming for second, third, or fifth place. My goal is to be the best and win the championship.'”

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

The teammates, coaches, and staff are not just disinterested onlookers. For example, Middleton and Lopez inked profitable contracts last year that ensure they remain under Milwaukee’s management at least until 2023.

“Last week, Middleton, a two-time All-Star, expressed, “He’s aware of my deep desire for him to come back and sign this extension. However, I understand that he has a significant decision to make, which he needs to discuss with his family – they are the most important people. No matter what he decides, he knows he has my full support.”

Coach Mike Budenholzer stated, “I totally understand and respect the questions and the world’s perspective on this. However, during training camp and practice, our main concern is figuring out our pick-and-roll defense and the offensive strategies we’re running.”

“You simply lose yourself in the process. You lose yourself in your actions. You lose yourself in the quest for victory.”

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

Antetokounmpo was repeatedly questioned as to why he wouldn’t sign the extension now, given that he plans to do it by the Dec. 21 deadline, especially considering 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 in 2013, who was then a slender 18-year-old but today is much more developed and astute, said, ‘It’s not on my mind.’ ‘What I’m focused on is playing basketball and improving every day. That’s been my mindset from the very beginning and it’s never going to change. Whether it’s Year 8 or Year 25, it’ll remain the same.'”

I have faith in my agent, Jon Horst, and the team’s ownership. I understand the significance of this situation in Milwaukee, the NBA, the media, and beyond. However, I have always been a private individual. So, when I make a decision or sign a contract, it’s likely that you all will be informed before I am.

I would appreciate if, from now on, we could limit our discussions to basketball and not dwell on that particular topic. The response will remain unchanged regardless.

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

* * *