Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is just a few weeks away from being eligible for a three-year extension worth $173 million, but it’s now unclear if he’ll put his signature on that deal.
Antetokounmpo told the New York Times on Thursday that he will not be looking to sign a new contract this season, and it’s a bit of a question mark if he will even want one next season.
“I would not be the best version of myself if I don’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 like I do. And if I don’t feel that, I’m not signing,” Antetokounmpo said.
Antetokounmpo has two more years and a player option left on his current contract, and he said he’s looking to win another NBA title after winning two years ago.
Milwaukee brought back most of its roster from last season, which finished first in the Eastern Conference regular season standings, but did make a change at the coaching position.
The Bucks fired Mike Budenholzer as head coach and brought in former Toronto Raptors assistant coach Adrian Griffin to take over.
“You’ve got to see the dynamics,” Antetokounmpo told the Times. “How the coach is going to be, how we’re going to be together. At the end of the day, I feel like all my teammates know and the organization knows that I want to win a championship. As long as we’re on the same page with that and you show me and we go together to win a championship, I’m all for it. The moment I feel like, oh, yeah, we’re trying to rebuild … there will never be hard feelings with the Milwaukee Bucks.
“I believe that we’ve had 10 unbelievable years, and there’s no doubt I gave everything for the city of Milwaukee. Everything. Every single night, even when I’m hurt. I am a Milwaukee Buck. I bleed green. I know this.”
Antetokounmpo also said that he would like to play 20 years in the NBA and remain on the same team, the same way players like Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki did for the Lakers and Mavericks, respectively.
Ultimately, Antetokounmpo reiterated the importance of competing for a title over all other factors.
Last season, the Bucks were knocked out in the first round in five games by the Miami Heat.
“But at the end of the day, being a winner, it’s over that goal,” Antetokounmpo said. “Winning a championship comes first.
“I don’t want to be 20 years on the same team and don’t win another championship.”