ESPN’s Shams Charania reported in May that the two MVPs remained “open” to leaving the team, although Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has not yet requested a deal.
“Giannis antetokounmpo is open-minded and considers options outside of Milwaukee. He hasn’t asked for a deal yet, but he’s kept an open mind from my understanding.”
“The Bucks are on their Bucks, just like Giannis Antetokounmpo, they will come back. This is a message to other teams, and when they will go out and sell other free agents, they will sell other free agents on July 1 and sell their own free agents.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo may request a deal between September and September
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported on Wednesday Today’s NBA The Antetokounmpo may not decide until September whether to request a deal.
“My feeling is that from the league’s conversation alone, I don’t think I’ll decide anything until September,” Sherborn said. “Whether he goes or stays, that decision won’t be made until later in the summer.”
December 31 Antetokounmpo “is closely watching” Milwaukee’s offseason moves to determine whether the Bucks can win the championship roster.
Charania noted that Milwaukee’s re-signation of Bobby Portis was a “big stride” and that Portis was “a player [Antetokounmpo] I definitely want to watch it with him. ”
The Bucks also added a four-year, $107 million contract and added Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers Center. However, they had to give up star guard Damian Lillard to free up blocking space.
Antetokounmpo not satisfied with the Bucks’ abandonment Lillard
Keeping the Portis and signature Turner is a solid move for Milwaukee, but Lillard has dropped more questions than answers. This is also after Lillard’s Achilles torn in the playoffs.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Antetokounmpo was “not satisfied” with the decision. In 58 games last season (all starts), Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists.
Meanwhile, last season’s 67 games (all started), Giannis averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 blocks and 34.2 minutes of games while shooting 60.1% from the field.
According to basketball references, Antetokounmpo leads the NBA in shooting averages (11.8), 2-point shots (779), 2-point shots per game (11.6), free throw attempts (707), and free throw attempts per game (10.6).
Although Antetokounmpo has maintained his contract for 2027-28, he can become a free agent in the 2027 offseason if he turns down a $62.8 million player option.
If Giannis does ask for a deal later this summer, the New York Knicks are a favorite to land in the 2021 finals MVP, followed by the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat.
