“I Already Would Have Left!” Giannis Antetokounmpo Makes Moving Statement About His Contract Situation with Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to add mystery about his future with the Milwaukee Bucks.

“I Already Would Have Left!” Giannis Antetokounmpo Makes Moving Statement About His Contract Situation with Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo hinted at potential future departure from the Bucks, stating it may not be up to him.
  • He has missed nine games due to injury, contributing to the Bucks' struggles as they sit 12th in the Eastern Conference.
  • Despite trade rumors, Antetokounmpo reaffirmed his love for Milwaukee and denied requesting a trade.

Before the trade deadline, all signs pointed towards Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded away by the Milwaukee Bucks. It has been a chaotic season for both the player and the club with all the noise. There is no doubt that Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the NBA today and can move the needle wherever he goes.

There were several reports that Giannis Antetokounmpo wanted to leave the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason, but nothing materialized. However, after a poor start to the season, rumors that Antetokounmpo wanted out resurfaced.

Antetokounmpo has missed the last nine games due to injury and was ruled out for the All-Star Game. The Bucks are 12th in the Eastern Conference standings at 23-30 and are currently outside the play-in spots. Despite their poor record, Antetokounmpo has been performing at a high level and is averaging 28 points, ten rebounds, and 5.6 assists.

With several teams trying to trade for the Greek superstar at the trade deadline, Antetokounmpo ended up staying in Milwaukee. The 31-year-old denied asking for a trade and reiterated his love for the city.

But the Greek superstar stirred up the pot once again about his future with the Bucks. Antetokounmpo gave an exclusive interview with COSMOTE TV about his commitment to the franchise in the present day and the long term.

I don’t know if I’ll leave — it’s not up to me. If it was up to me, maybe I already would have left. In a year and a half, when I become a free agent at 32, it will be up to me.

Drafted as the 15th pick in the 2013 NBA draft, Antetokounmpo has grown into one of the best players in the league and has spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Bucks. He delivered the franchise its first championship in 50 years in 2021.

Fans react to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s statements on his future

Whenever a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber is in trade talks, it is bound to create a lot of noise. The whole chaotic situation led to some criticism of Antetokounmpo for not handling it well. 

The internet was quick to react to Antetokounmpo’s mixed signals on social media.

Majority of the fans believe that it is just a matter of time before Antetokounmpo leaves the Bucks. He has already established himself as the greatest player in franchise history.

Bobby Portis Sparks Uncertainty Over Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future

Bobby Portis Jr. and Giannis Antetokounmpo have shared the locker room since 2020. The two teammates helped the Bucks to an NBA championship in 2020, with the Greek winning the Finals MVP and Portis Jr. playing a crucial role from the bench.

The 31-year-old was asked whether Antetokounmpo and he would still be a Buck in October during a new interview with Sirius XM NBA Radio. Porter Jr. was not able to give an accurate answer.

Bobby Porter Jr. and Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bobby Porter Jr. and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image credits – MARCA)

It’s too far away to say. We’re playing for Milwaukee, I’m playing for Milwaukee. I take pride in being a Buck. I love the city of Milwaukee. They call me the mayor of Milwaukee.

Porter Jr. reiterated that there is still some fight left in the Bucks as they try to make it to the postseason this year. They are currently 1.5 games behind 10th place Atlanta Hawks.

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