
Getty Image
)
It hasn’t even been a week since the Bucks were eliminated from the playoffs but the speculation about whether Giannis Antetokounmpo is staying or leaving Milwaukee has already begun.
Giannis currently has one year left on his contract and will begin negotiations for a supermax contract extension this offseason but things can get awkward if he declines to re-sign with the team.
Via ESPN
The Bucks will offer Antetokounmpo a supermax contract when eligible later this year, a deal that could be worth $220 million — about $80 million more than he could get with another team as a free agent in 2021, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. But Antetokounmpo has made it clear that his priority is winning, and that’s something the Bucks haven’t been able to ensure.
If Antetokounmpo passes on signing the supermax, multiple sources are adamant that the Bucks won’t trade him. Milwaukee will have to persuade him to stay — and quickly.
After the Bucks were eliminated by the Heat on Tuesday, Giannis came out and said that he wasn’t going to demand a trade this offseason but instead wanted to build a winning culture in Milwaukee.
A @YahooSports exclusive with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo on teams waiting for him to request a trade in offseason: “That’s not happening. Some see a wall and go in [another direction]. I plow through it.” https://t.co/CBCBZUrMia
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 9, 2020
Even after declaring that he wasn’t going to force a trade fans noticed that Giannis recently unfollowed all of Bucks teammates on Instagram which set off the rumor mill.
Giannis Antetokounmpo unfollowed ALL of his Bucks teammates on Instagram. He’s only following 9 people.
— Dionysis Aravantinos (@AravantinosDA) September 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/tuuulyy/status/1304804969686548481
Giannis unfollowed 9 teammates and the Bucks….. pic.twitter.com/XMkXD6yeGF
— Jack Borman (@jrborman13) September 12, 2020
Giannis has unfollowed all of his teammates and the bucks on IG. Get ready everyone it’s happening🚶🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/gkdu1wnDLe
— Its🅱️randon☁️🥋 (@yoitsBrandonfr) September 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/currypiston/status/1304811324422205440
Giannis just unfollowed the Bucks and all his teammates on ig.
GET READY ITS HAPPENING pic.twitter.com/bDHAWuJOeu— damien (@ToasterKlay) September 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/Alex11FCB/status/1304804903223734274
https://t.co/QH0QtOUFoH pic.twitter.com/qE7heSp3Eg
— Connor (@theconnorriley_) September 12, 2020
It’s going to be a long offseason for Bucks fans.