Giannis Antetokounmpo 'not focused' on extension with Bucks as Dec. 21 deadline approaches
The Milwaukee Bucks have until December 21 if they want to sign two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to a super max extension. With that deadline quickly approaching, however, Antetokounmpo said he’s “not focused” on extension talks at the moment.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Antetokounmpo is leaving Milwaukee. It just means he’s letting his agent handle those negotiations.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, when asked about his contract, says: "Right now, I am not focused on that. I am just trying to focus on myself."
He adds that he is leaving those discussions to his agent, Alex Saratsis, and the front office.— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) December 9, 2020
That’s a fairly standard answer for athletes nearing the end of their contracts. Players often say they are focused on themselves — or on the season ahead — and not on extension talks. Bucks fans would probably feel better if Antetokounmpo said “I want to be here,” but he opted for the generic answer.
Giannis Antetokounmpo says this isn’t a ‘championship or bust situation’
While Antetokounmpo declined to say much about his extension talks, he gave fans an idea of his mindset heading into the 2020-21 NBA season. Antetokounmpo said he’s playing basketball to win a championship, but added that he doesn’t view his situation with the Bucks as “championship or bust.”
"I don't believe this is a championship or bust situation," @Giannis_An34
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) December 9, 2020
That seems to imply if Antetokounmpo wouldn’t automatically leave the Bucks in the offseason if the team fails to win a championship. In order for that to happen, Antetokounmpo would have to decline signing a super max extension with the team before December 21.
While that might be reassuring, Bucks fans would breathe much easier if Antetokounmpo signed a mega deal now. If no super max deal is reached, Antetokounmpo will be a free agent following the 2020-21 NBA season. After winning two straight MVP awards, Antetokounmpo would draw a ton of attention on the market.
The Bucks have less than two weeks to convince Antetokounmpo he can win a championship in Milwaukee. If the team can’t do that, Antetokounmpo will be free to find an organization that can.
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