Media day in the NBA tends to bring a lot of excitement for fans, but the Milwaukee Bucks fanbase had reasons to be worried after what they heard on Monday. The media sessions started extremely well, with Bucks co-owner Wes Edens sharing some delightful news when it came to superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“I had a great conversation with Giannis back in June out here, and he made it clear that he was very committed to Milwaukee,” Edens said. “He likes being here. He likes his family being here.”
Bucks fans were overjoyed on hearing that. It seemed any and all concerns about Antetokounmpo’s future could be dismissed, but the joy didn’t last too long.
Antetokounmpo wasn’t present at media day, having tested positive for COVID-19 in Greece, but he still took the time to speak to the media over Zoom. That was when things got interesting.
A reporter brought up Edens’ comments about Antetokounmpo expressing his commitment to the Bucks in an offseason meeting, and he had no recollection of that.
“I can’t recall that meeting,” Antetokounmpo said.
This was certainly not ideal, and you do wonder where the discrepancy is coming from. There could be a logical explanation here that Edens or Antetokounmpo might share later on.
What that comment from Antetokounmpo has done is ensure that rumors will continue to fly around. The nine-time All-Star’s future was one of the biggest talking points this offseason after NBA insider Shams Charania reported that he was open-minded about exploring whether it was in his best interests to stay with the Bucks.
Antetokounmpo was asked on Monday if there was any truth to the reports indicating that he was open to playing elsewhere.
“Of course, yes,” Antetokounmpo stated. “Guys, every summer there’s truth to every report. The same thing I’ve been saying my whole career: I want to be [on] a team that allows me and gives me a chance to win a championship and that wants to compete at a high level.
“I think it’s [a] disservice to basketball, to the game, to not wanting to compete at a high level, to want your season to end in April,” Antetokounmpo continued. “So, it’s pretty much the same. It’s not the first time. I had the same thoughts last year, I had the same thoughts two years ago, I had the same thoughts five years ago in 2020.
“It’s never going to change,” Antetokounmpo added. “I want to be among the best, I want to compete with the best, and I want to win another championship.”
Can Antetokounmpo, who averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game in 2024-25, win another title with the Bucks after previously leading them to glory in 2021? It’s looking doubtful, but it should be pointed out that the two-time MVP stated that he believes in this team.
Antetokounmpo thinks the Bucks are a dangerous team, but he might be the only reason why they strike any fear in the hearts of opponents. They, of course, made a big decision this offseason by waiving an injured Damian Lillard and stretching the remaining $113 million left on his contract.
It was a desperation move made in order to sign Myles Turner and ensure Antetokounmpo had someone you could call a co-star in the 2025-26 season. It’s still hard to see them making much noise, though.
If this upcoming campaign does end poorly for a Bucks team that has lost in the first round in each of the last three years, then you do wonder if Antetokounmpo starts considering his options. The 30-year-old can hit free agency in 2027 by opting out of his $62.7 million player option for 2027-28, so he will have leverage then too.
