Giannis Antetokounmpo offered a cryptic message about his future with the Milwaukee Bucks this week. Even though the reigning two-time league MVP still has one full year left on his contract, popular wisdom is that whatever happens this offseason will ultimately shape how things will fare going forward.
In an interview with Aftonbladet’s Alexander Nilsson, Antetokounmpo offered some interesting thoughts on his future.
“I do not know what the plan is,” he said. “It depends on what decisions they make. If they make the right decision, I’ll be there for many years. If they do not, we’ll see. The NBA is business and we take it day by day. Hopefully we can succeed together.”
Antetokounmpo did not stop there.
“There are a lot of rumors. Everyone has opinions,” he said. “But at the end of the day, I will do what is best for my family. I do not see why I could not be in Milwaukee for several years. As long as Milwaukee and I are on the same page when it comes to being one of the best teams in the league and winning championships, that’s fine.
Who could’ve predicted that getting caught in bed with your brother and some random chick would end this badly?https://t.co/p7rvyypcnc
— Game 7 (@game7__) November 14, 2020
“When it changes, it will not be good. It’s easy, I want to be a winner. I do not care about the money. My family is fine and I can take care of my children and grandchildren so that’s not the most important thing right now, it’s winning. As long as we can win and create a winning culture, it will be good.”
Obviously that makes it sound like he wants to stay in Milwaukee, but it also seems contingent on the organization playing their hand correctly.
Antetokounmpo’s next supermax deal will be worth somewhere in the $220 million to $250 million range if he remains with the Bucks.
Steph forgot he was mic’d. https://t.co/aHQ26YVM1b
— Game 7 (@game7__) November 13, 2020
However, if he opts to go elsewhere, Antetokounmpo is looking at a four-year deal in the $140 million to $160 million range.
Last week multiple reports surfaced suggesting that Antetokounmpo would stay with the Bucks and sign a supermax deal, but nothing official has materialized on that front as of yet.
Antetokounmpo has also been linked to the Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks.
The Bucks, meanwhile, have been attached to possible deals involving Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry, and Victor Oladipo as potential add-ons to keep Antetokounmpo happy.
One way or another, all the questions will be answered based on what Antetokounmpo does over the next couple of weeks. And it goes without saying that whatever he ultimately decides will cause major reverberations around the NBA.
Related: Warriors, Cavaliers Discussing 3-Team Kevin Love Trade?
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
