The future of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo with the team is becoming increasingly uncertain as his current contract enters its final years.
With three more seasons remaining on his five-year, $228 million deal, Antetokounmpo has made it clear that his commitment to the Bucks hinges on the team’s determination to compete for championships.
ESPN’s NBA insider Brian Windhorst weighed in on the chances of Giannis Antetokounmpo staying with the Bucks after his contract expires.
“I would say right now it’s 50/50 at best, and I don’t think that’s new information. I think the Bucks knew that already,” he said on Behind the Play podcast.
The Bucks, who have primarily built their roster around players in their 30s, face challenges in terms of assets and future prospects. In contrast, Giannis, at 28, is at a different stage in his career.
While Windhorst acknowledges the discomfort of Giannis’ public statements, he notes that teams interested in acquiring the Greek Freak must now factor in the possibility of a trade or free agency pursuit.
“I think what will happen now is the teams that want to try to trade for [Giannis Antetokounmpo] will start making decisions keeping that in mind,” he added, via HoopsHype.
“I’m not saying the Knicks or Heat or any team that might want Giannis, Toronto, but certainly, those teams’ decisions will now be made with the understanding that any move could affect a Giannis pursuit either by trade or free agency. And Giannis’ comments this summer clarify that.”
