Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the NBA at the moment. Over the last few years, the Greek superstar has been at the top of his game averaging insanely high numbers as well. He had also been breaking records and achieving high-level career feats as well. The Greek Freak is a major threat on offense and defense which makes him a tough opponent.
Giannis has been a blessing to the Milwaukee Bucks organization. In 2021, he led the team to an NBA title which was their first in 50 years. He’s also won two MVPs, a Finals MVP, numerous defensive accolades, and was named among the top 75 players of all time. But one title is not enough to settle with according to him. He recently expressed his feelings over an an impending contract extension.
Giannis Antetokounmpo says he’s not signing an extension in Milwaukee next summer if everyone isn’t on the same page
“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… pic.twitter.com/M2GB601JJ1
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 24, 2023
Giannis Antetokounmpo said, “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.” These are scary words for the Bucks and Giannis seems pretty serious about it. Milwaukee recently replaced Head Coach Mike Budenholzer with Adrian Griffin and re-signed Khris Middleton as well as Brook Lopez.
Are the Los Angeles Lakers a contender to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo?
The Bucks are trying to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy by re-signing Middleton and Lopez. But is player retention the only thing that will keep Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee? Probably not, but the winning mindset of his teammates will. His Bucks teammates will have to put in a lot of work to prove that they can fight for a title, especially after their horrible first-round exit last season. Coach Griffin will be responsible for the outcome next season.
Marc Stein recently stated that a few teams have already emerged as potential destinations for Giannis. He said, “The Lakers and the Knicks are already being mentioned as franchises presumed to interest Antetokounmpo down the road if he does decide to move on from Milwaukee, which just made a slew of moves (re-signing Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez and replacing Mike Budenholzer as coach with Adrian Griffin) to try to appease its face of the franchise.”
The Lakers and Knicks are potential landing spots for Giannis Antetokounmpo if he leaves Milwaukee
“The Lakers and the Knicks are already being mentioned as franchises presumed to interest Antetokounmpo down the road if he does decide to move on from Milwaukee, which just made… pic.twitter.com/EPZ8UsNLwd
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 28, 2023
Giannis Antetounmpo to the Lakers may be elusive as the franchise would have to give him a lot for him. It may require LA to trade or waive key role players, or possibly trade a superstar to accommodate a sizeable contract for Giannis with the available cap space. But the Knicks could probably work things out as they have enough draft picks and assets to move around.