Bucks Confident Antetokounmpo Will Stay in Milwaukee

Giannis Antetokounmpo could be the most sought-after free agent in recent NBA history if he decides not to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks, but the Bucks are confident that he will eventually choose to remain with the team. Certainly, the Milwaukee Bucks’ front office is doing all it can to convince Antetokounmpo to stay as their franchise player. 

If he decides to enter free agency, there will be no shortage of teams from around the league that will try to acquire the reigning MVP’s all-around court dominance. The most outspoken NBA franchises that are eager to obtain The Greek Freak’s services are the Miami Heat and the Golden State Warriors. Both organizations have expressed willingness to spend mega millions to have Giannis on their roster. 

Miami believes Antetokounmpo will provide the speed and muscle to complement Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and Goran Dragic to propel the Heat to a championship–and possibly a dynasty. On the other hand, the Warriors are looking to fill the void left by the departure of Kevin Durant to reclaim their status as perennial title contenders. 

The Bucks are highly optimistic that Giannis will accept a five-year supermax contract extension worth a reported $220 million to $250 million. For sure, the Milwaukee management is aware that the contract’s amount can be matched by other teams, but there are other reasons for the Bucks’ optimism.  

Milwaukee is counting on Antetokounmpo’s hunger to deliver a championship to the team that drafted him at 18 years old and allowed his talents to flourish. The Bucks have been spectacular in the regular season for the past two years, only to be knocked out in the playoffs. Thus, Giannis may feel that he has unfinished business with Milwaukee and its fans. 

Also, the 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) forward has recently given statements that reinforced Milwaukee fans’ hopes that he will stick with the team. Shortly after winning the MVP award in September, Antetokounmpo stated that he has no desire to leave Milwaukee “as long as everybody’s on the same page.” In a separate interview, he said, “As long as everybody’s fighting for the same thing … which is to be a champion, I don’t see why not to be in Milwaukee for the next 15 years.” 

Despite team setbacks in 2020, Antetokounmpo received his second consecutive MVP award and was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He averaged 29 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game during the 2019-2020 regular season.

(BUCKS CONFIDENT ANTETOKOUNMPO WILL STAY IN MILWAUKEE)