Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks engaged in a back-and-forth dance once more this season.
For the primary time in his profession, it regarded like there was a sensible probability that he can be traded. The Bucks had been struggling, Antetokounmpo was visibly annoyed and the timing simply made sense.
Finally, Antetokounmpo stayed put. Satirically, he drew some backlash on social media for celebrating not being traded after spending weeks flirting with the likelihood.
Now, with the group dropping 50 video games and him out with an damage, the previous Finals MVP re-ignited commerce rumors with some non-committal feedback to the media.
Giannis Antetokounmpo does not know if he’ll be traded
“That’s an excellent query,” Antetokounmpo advised the media when requested whether or not he had performed his final sport for the Bucks, per The Athletic. “I don’t know. It’s less than me anymore. It’s less than me. We’ll see.”
Antetokounmpo performed in solely 36 video games this season, the fewest in his profession. He is normally been a sturdy participant, having suited up for a minimum of 61 video games in each season.
That is additionally why he was so annoyed when the Bucks shut him down for the season, though he mentioned he was wholesome sufficient to play. When requested about that, he unleashed towards the Bucks’ decision-makers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo calls out Bucks over lack of management
“I’ve by no means in my life denied participation (in) observe, which whoever says that — I don’t know who mentioned that, who got here up with that — that’s disrespectful in direction of what I’ve completed for this group and the way in which I carry myself my complete profession,” Antetokounmpo continued. “So, I believed I had management, sort of like, ‘If I’m wholesome, I’m going to play.’ However this exhibits me that we — not simply me, gamers on the whole — don’t haven’t any management.”
This is not the primary time that he is opened up about this. He claimed that latest feedback by Bucks co-owner Wes Edens had been a “slap to the face.” That — not even the dropping season — could be what truly drives him away from Milwaukee.
Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn’t been supplied a contract extension
Antetokounmpo nonetheless has one 12 months left in his contract and a participant possibility price $62.8M for the 2027-28 season. The Bucks may supply him a contract extension now, however it appears like they’re nonetheless on the fence with that scenario.
Additionally, Antetokounmpo acknowledged that it was nonetheless too quickly to even know whether or not he would need to signal an extension.
“Oh, that’s too distant. It’s one thing I gotta sit down, see, discuss with my household, see what’s finest for me and what’s finest for my household, for my profession. If that’s the very best state of affairs, I’ll positively need to try this. However earlier than we even speak about an extension, someone (has) gotta supply me that. I haven’t been supplied an extension, in order that’s too far. You gotta take it a step at a time,” Antetokounmpo added.
Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 factors, 9.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.3 three-pointers per sport on 62.4 % from the ground this season.
He is nonetheless a celebrity and would draw an enormous return for the Bucks in the event that they lastly resolve to chop him unfastened.
