02 October 2023 , 22:03
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Giannis Antetokounmpo has joked that he did not sign an extension with the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason due to the prospect of earning much more by doing so next year instead.
Antetokounmpo, 28, made headlines last month after admitting he would not be signing a new contract unless the team is all-in on winning another championship. He also openly stated that he would not hesitate to leave Milwaukee should there be better chances of success elsewhere in the league.
At the time, the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, and Toronto Raptors were reportedly potential suitors should the two-time MVP become available. In truth, all 29 other NBA teams would be interested in acquiring Antetokounmpo if that even became a possibility.
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However, Bucks teammate Khris Middleton acknowledged that the remarks were merely Antetokounmpo challenging the team and putting pressure on the franchise to keep improving. Since then, they have acquired Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers in a trade that sent Jrue Holiday in the opposite direction and ultimately to their Eastern Conference rivals, the Boston Celtics.
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Following that move, Antetokounmpo again addressed the lack of an offseason contract extension while speaking with reporters at media day.
"It did not make sense to sign a contract right now - because money is not important. A lot of f****** money is important," he said before cracking up laughing and adding while trying to compose himself: "No, I'm joking."
Antetokounmpo could not contain his laughter after dropping an f-bomb during media day (Twitter)"So I'm going to sign it next year," Antetokounmpo continued after composing himself. The latter is a more definite declaration than what he said a little over a month ago.
“The real question’s not going to be this year - numbers-wise, it doesn’t make sense,” Antetokounmpo stated in an interview with the New York Times. “But next year, next summer, it would make more sense for both parties. Even then, I don’t know.
“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.”
He added: “At the end of the day, being a winner, it’s over that goal. Winning a championship comes first. I don’t want to be 20 years on the same team and don’t win another championship.”
He shared similar sentiments during several other media interviews. Antetokounmpo signed a five-year, £188 million ($228m) designated maximum contract extension in December 2020. However, the final year is a player option. That means he could become an unrestricted free agent as early as the end of next season should he so wish.
Waiting until signing next summer means he can sign a four-year extension worth up to £213m ($258m). The maximum he can sign for before the start of this season is a three-year, £140m ($169m) deal.