Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future in Milwaukee Bucks Uncertain

Giannis Antetokounmpo said that he is not yet willing to sign a new contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.

In a few weeks, he will be eligible for a three-year extension worth about $173 million, but he doesn’t plan to sign one just yet. As he said to The New York Times: “The real question’s not going to be this year—numbers-wise it doesn’t make sense. But next year, next summer it would make more sense for both parties. Even then, I don’t know.”

With the Greek Freak going on the record on this matter, the possibility of him leaving the Bucks can’t be ignored.

“I don’t want to be 20 years on the same team and [not] win another championship,” he told The New York Times.

He 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,” he said in speaking to The New York Times.

He explained his approach which is connected with winning championship titles: “There will never be hard feelings with the Milwaukee Bucks. I believe that we’ve had 10 unbelievable years, and there’s no doubt I gave everything for the city of Milwaukee. Everything. Every single night, even when I’m hurt. I am a Milwaukee Buck.

“I bleed green,” he revealed. “I know this. This is my team, and it’s going to forever be my team. I don’t forget people who were there for me and allowed me to be great and to showcase who I am to the world and gave me the platform. But we have to win another one.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s increasing focus on business

The New York Times reports that Antetokounmpo is looking beyond basketball and has an increased focus on business investments with his brothers.

“From 2020 to 2023, people think I’ve taken a large jump on the basketball court, but I think I’ve taken 10X jump off the court,” he said.

Earlier in 2023, Antetokounmpo ventured off the court to launch the Calamos Antetokounmpo Sustainable Equity Fund at the New York Stock Exchange.

The NBA star rang the NYSE closing bell to celebrate the launch of his exchange-traded fund (EFT) in partnership with investment management firm Calamos Investments. The Fund is a suite of environmental, social, and governance funds.

Antetokounmpo revealed his official decision not to participate with the Greek National Team in the FIBA World Cup that starts on Friday. He has emphasized his intention to focus on the 2024 Olympic Games.

In a social media post, Antetokounmpo has expressed regrets over his decision to miss out on the World Cup. He revealed that this choice was predominantly influenced by the advice of his medical team, which carefully considered his health and overall well-being.