Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t closing any doors on the subject of his future, but he’s not hiding his frustrations either.
After Milwaukee’s season-ending 126-106 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, the two-time MVP spoke candidly about his future, his feelings toward the franchise, and the lack of control he says he’s had over his own situation.
When asked whether he’d played his last game in a Bucks uniform, Antetokounmpo didn’t offer any comfort to Milwaukee fans.
“I don’t know,” Antetokounmpo said according to ESPN. “It’s not up to me. We’ll see.”
The frustration ran deeper than just one question. Among his grievances, Giannis had wanted to play alongside both of his brothers, Thanasis and Alex, only to be told he couldn’t, on top of being kept off the floor despite believing he was fit to play.
“I’ve never in my life denied participation of practice. I don’t know who said that, who came up with that, but that’s disrespectful towards what I’ve done for this team,” he said.
When asked how much control he had over his situation, his answer was blunt: “At this point? Zero.”
Antetokounmpo made clear he believes Milwaukee is as far from contention as at any point during his 13-year tenure, the only NBA team he has ever played for, after they finished a disappointing 32-50, snapping a nine-year postseason streak.
“We’re very bad,” he added. “We are the furthest away that we’ve been in the last couple of years.”
Still, a door remains open. Bucks owner Wes Edens has stated Giannis will either be extended or traded before he can reach unrestricted free agency next summer. When asked if he’d sign an extension if offered in October, he didn’t rule it out.
“If that is on the table, then I will try to make the best decision for me and my family,” Edens said. “But if they don’t? Okay.”
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