According to NBA insider Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, Giannis Antetokounmpo was recruited by rival superstars before the Milwaukee Bucks acquired Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers.
Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks was up in the air before the Lillard trade, but after Milwaukee acquired Lillard, Antetokounmpo signed a three-year extension.
“Basketball, we’re going to figure it out. Every day that we play together, we’ll figure it out,” Antetokounmpo said. “But off the court, it’s very important also for him to feel as comfortable as possible, because I know if you feel comfortable as a family man, you’re going to be able to do his job with no distractions, the same way as me.”
The Bucks are one of the betting favorites to win the championship this season. They have a Big 4 of Antetokounmpo, Lillard, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Antetokounmpo has career averages of 22.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists with the Bucks. He has won the Most Improved Player of the Year Award, two regular-season MVPs, one Finals MVP and one Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Antetokounmpo averaged 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.8 blocks in 63 games for the Bucks last season. The future Hall of Famer recorded 46 double-doubles and six triple-doubles.
Milwaukee won the 2021 title over the Phoenix Suns in six games. Antetokounmpo, 28, released the following statement on why he signed a multi-year extension with the Bucks:
“Milwaukee is where I started my career, it’s our home, it’s where we’re raising our family, and it’s where I’m going to continue to work hard every day to make Bucks fans proud. I want to thank Bucks owners Wes, Jamie, Jimmy and Dee for their continuous support of me and my family, and I want to express my appreciation to Jon Horst for being a trusted partner who has been with me since the day I arrived in Milwaukee 10 years ago.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
“To my teammates and coaches, I will always be grateful to you for inspiring me to be my best every day. Together, we are committed to winning and bringing another championship to our city. And to Bucks fans, let’s get it!”
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