NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will not sign an extension with the Milwaukee Bucks this year. The two-time MVP will become eligible for a contract extension with the Bucks in September.
“The real question’s not going to be this year — numbers-wise it doesn’t make sense,” Antetokounmpo told Tania Ganguli of The New York Times. “But next year, next summer it would make more sense for both parties. Even then, I don’t know.”
Antetokounmpo added: “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.”
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.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
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 recorded 46 double-doubles and six triple-doubles.
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.
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.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
One of the greatest players in NBA history, Antetokounmpo has career averages of 22.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists. He guided the Bucks to the 2021 championship over the Phoenix Suns, winning Finals MVP along the way.
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