Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst told NBA writer Eric Nehm of The Athletic that it’s his “job” to make sure Giannis Antetokounmpo never leaves the franchise. Antetokounmpo will become eligible for another contract extension with the Bucks in September.
“I mean, that’s our job,” Horst said. “He is the most incredible human, superstar, teammate, leader, I believe, in all of sports and we’re incredibly blessed to have him. It’s an awesome responsibility to win and compete every year to be in a position to keep him.”
The Bucks signed Antetokounmpo to a five-year, $228.2 million designated maximum contract extension in December 2020. The future Hall of Famer will make $45.6 million next season.
In 63 games for the Bucks last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists while shooting 55.3% from the floor, 27.5% from beyond the arc and 64.5% from the free-throw line. The seven-time All-Star and two-time MVP recorded 46 double-doubles and six triple-doubles.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
“I think that’s my job and that’s my responsibility and it’s my opportunity and his opportunity and our team’s opportunity,” Horst said. “And Griff and (Bucks president) Peter Feigin share in that, as do our owners. I think it’s really cool to have that chance to be able to do that. We’ve been able to do it so far, and we’ll do everything we can to do it again.”
The Bucks won 58 games last season and were the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. However, Milwaukee lost to the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in five games. Antetokounmpo hurt his back in Game 1 of the series and missed Games 2 and 3. He got injured just 10 minutes into Game 1 in Milwaukee.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
The Bucks re-signed Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez this offseason in free agency. They also replaced head coach Mike Budenholzer with Adrian Griffin. Antetokounmpo and Middleton met with Griffin during the interview process.
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