USA Today via Reuters
Aug 20, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) scores against the Orlando Magic during the first half in game two of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Landis/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 20, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) scores against the Orlando Magic during the first half in game two of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Landis/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Twice in a row, Milwaukee Bucks‘ Giannis Antetokounmpo has been sitting and watching the NBA Finals slip away from his hands. At least in 2019, the Bucks and he made it to the Eastern Conference Finals and came extremely close to their dream of winning a title. However, in the previous season, they were almost swept away by Miami Heat in the Conference Semi-finals.
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With another year left on his contract with the Bucks, there are now rumors that the ‘Greek Freak’ has no interest in signing an extension with them. Although he has repeatedly said that he plans on staying, his actions speak otherwise.
Giannis ended up unfollowing all his Bucks’ teammates on Instagram after exiting the Bubble. Not only that, but not being on talking terms about a possible extension makes room for more doubt about his future with the Bucks.
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Giannis is stuck. He might become the bad guy if he leaves, but if he doesn’t, he loses out on his chances of playing with a team that is a championship contender. So, what other option is left?
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 6, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after making a basket against the Miami Heat during the first half of game four of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Probability of a ‘secret agreement’ for Giannis
On ESPN, Brian Windhorst first discussed how complicated the situation is, for the Bucks and Giannis. “I already feel for the Milwaukee Bucks’ fans if he doesn’t sign this extension. Because it is going to be a day by day pressure fest.” said Brian. “At the same time, if Giannis signs it, he trades away his options for no reason. Other than to be nice to the Bucks. So, is there a middle path here? Is there a negotiation that can be done?”
Brian explained what could be done with Paul George and Oklahoma City Thunder’s example. He said:
“The Thunder were worried about Paul George leaving. So they said to him, ‘Look why don’t you sign a long-term extension here. You’re going to be with us. If for whatever reason you feel like you don’t want to be here anymore, we’ll work with you privately and quietly to trade you’. And a year into that extension, that’s exactly what happened. And they handled that trade clean and quiet as possible and both sides benefitted.”
Although Jorge Sedano found this scenario fascinating, he didn’t agree with it entirely. He thinks that Giannis leaving after signing the extension is worse from a PR standpoint. Thus, the options have been laid out; what will Giannis Antetokounmpo decide?
