NBA insider Brian Windhorst has shared his thoughts on the likelihood of Giannis Antetokounmpo extending his contract with the Milwaukee Bucks this summer. Despite having two years left on his contract, Antetokounmpo is eligible to sign a three-year, $173 million extension or a two-year, $118.6 million extension.
However, Windhorst does not believe that the Bucks superstar will take up either of these options, citing uncertainty around the franchise as the main factor.
The Bucks are facing a difficult situation this summer, even if they had won the title. With several players in their 30s who need to get paid and Antetokounmpo himself in his 20s, everything on this team is about to get more expensive. The Bucks are also headed into the repeater tax, which makes it challenging for them to retain their current roster and add new players. Moreover, with new ownership in place, there is a level of unpredictability around the franchise’s future direction.
Antetokounmpo’s decision not to extend his contract this summer would mean that he is set to earn $45.6 million in 2023-2024 and $48.8 million in 2024-2025. He holds a $51.9 million player option for the 2025-2026 season, which he is unlikely to pick up given the NBA’s upcoming new TV contract that same summer.
“I think it is unlikely that Giannis extends his contract this summer.”
– Brian Windhorst
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 27, 2023
While Antetokounmpo’s decision not to extend his contract this summer would provide him with more flexibility and financial incentives, it is likely to disappoint Bucks fans. The team is a late-stage contender with a superstar in his 20s, and there are teams in the league closely watching to see what happens with the Bucks this summer.
Bucks Fans hearing this…pic.twitter.com/yMmEXWaNnr
— FanDuel Canada (@FanDuelCanada) April 27, 2023
Despite the Bucks’ first-round elimination by the Miami Heat, Antetokounmpo does not view the 2022-2023 season as a failure. He believes that there are good days and bad days in sports, and that winning is not always guaranteed. However, his decision not to extend his contract this summer may impact the Bucks’ future success and leave fans disappointed.
He loves the bucks, why would he leave a team that he has literally built
— Wisconsin Sports Fan (@justin27943627) April 27, 2023
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo leaving the Milwaukee Bucks? Three potential landing spots for the Greek Freak
After the Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated by the Miami Heat, speculations about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s departure started to circulate. Despite signing a five-year $230 million deal with the Bucks in 2020, if the team doesn’t address their issues, the possibility of the 2021 Finals MVP leaving for a different team is high.
So, which teams could be potential landing spots for Giannis?
First up is the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks have struggled to build around their superstar, Luka Doncic, and acquiring Giannis could be key to keeping Doncic happy and in Dallas.
The Portland Trail Blazers have also had difficulty building around their superstar, Damian Lillard, and with rumors of Lillard potentially leaving the team, acquiring Giannis could be enough to persuade him to stay.
Finally, the Golden State Warriors could be a potential landing spot for Giannis. The Warriors are looking to plan for their future, and a tandem between Steph Curry and Giannis could be a game-changer.
In summary, the Bucks still have time to fix their problems and keep Giannis on their team. However, if they don’t, the Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Golden State Warriors could be potential landing spots for the Greek Freak.
