ESPN journalists mentioned in a podcast that Giannis Antetokounmpo may leave the Milwaukee Bucks after the end of his contract!
In December 2020, the “Greek Freak” signed the supermax extension offered to him by the Milwaukee Bucks for five years and $228 million.
Giannis has a player option for the 2025-26 season worth $51.9 million.
The future of Antetokounmpo was discussed in ESPN’s podcast and analyst Brian Windhorst said:
“Giannis has a player option (for 2026). There are two years left on his contract and he has an opt-out that he can activate. He can extend for three years and $170 million just like Anthony Davis. We have talked about it. If Giannis does not sign the extension, for me it does not necessarily mean that there is a red alarm for the Bucks.
The issue has to do with the fact that the Bucks’ supporting cast is all in their 30s and Giannis hasn’t turned 30 yet. The fact that they gave new contracts to Chris Middleton and Brook Lopez gives them…the courage to make the offer for the extension to Antetokounmpo. It won’t surprise me if he signs it. Just like it won’t surprise me if he doesn’t sign it”.
Tim MacMahon said:
“It will surprise me if he signs the extension now because we have seen how it works. He wants to make sure first and foremost that Milwaukee has done everything it needs to do to offer him the conditions for a competitive team. I think if Giannis doesn’t sign the extension now, he will wait to see what happens with Jrue Holiday and then evaluate the situation.
Whether he wants to add a few more years to his contract with the Bucks. Remember that Giannis signed the supermax extension after the trade that brought Holiday to Milwaukee. I think he will wait until next summer when he will have one more year and then decide what he wants to do”.
ESPN reporter Tim Bontemps added:
“I believe Giannis will wait until next summer. He still has two more years on his contract. He wants to see how the situation in Milwaukee will be and then decide what he will do. I don’t think he will decide now”.