The Milwaukee Bucks might go from doing the hunting to being hunted if they don’t find a way to turn back to their winning ways before one of their best players decides to leave the team.
The recent statements made by Giannis Antetekumpo give off an aura of uncertainty about his future with the Bucks as the National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar heads into his 11th season with only one championship ring. His contract expires at the end of next year, and he signed an extension for four years, or $173 million right now. But if he holds off until next year, he can add an extra year to the time period in the extension contract.
“The real question is not going to be this year—numbers-wise it doesn’t make sense,” Giannis Antetokounmpo, power forward for the Bucks, said. “But next year, next summer, it would make more sense for both parties. Even then, I don’t know.”
He continued, “I would not be the best version of myself if I didn’t know that everybody’s on the same page, everybody’s going for a championship, everybody’s going to sacrifice time away from their family, especially as a small market team. They opted to keep the same crew that I do. And if I don’t feel that, I’m not signing.”
CBS Sports has said that Giannis Antetekumpo is willing to leave his team in order to win another championship title. Since he is a top-three player in the league, many teams would be ready to offer him a spot.
It’s now or never for the Bucks; if they band together and win a title, there is a probable chance that their star player will be content and stay with the team. Bucks fans and the whole NBA will have to wait and see how this situation will play out and whether Giannis Antetekumpo will decide to part ways with the Bucks.