The NBA media circus loves to twist the words of the players to put the magnifying glass on possible changes of scenery, transfers and exits. Especially with franchise players involved. They know it themselves and this is why they always speak in terms of loyalty to their team unless the situation is critical. That is why it is so surprising that Giannis Antetokunmpo is so clear about the possibility of leaving the Milwaukee Bucks in the future. The next challenge might not be here.
The franchise already went into a state of panic a year ago with the simple rumbling that existed before the Greek stamped his signature on his colossal contract last December. Until then and from then on, Giannis had always declared his love for the organization and city of Milwaukee. But still, there was too much at stake. The devotion of the Antetokounmpo family remains intact, although with a ring already in hand life looks different. “For now we have chosen to stay in this city that we love and have cared so much for us. But that can change in two years. I’m being completely honest with you. I love this city, this community and I always try to help it.
The last MVP of the finals clarifies that he is not comfortable with the easy way to expand his point. «Obviously the objective right now is to repeat [título]. But what if we do it? What is the next challenge? » declares his agent Alex Saratsis for GQ. “You have to understand it from the perspective of a 26-year-old boy who feels he has achieved it all.”
The interview that makes these headlines revolves entirely around the idea that Giannis is always looking for new challenges. Somehow he and Saratsis say his renewal with the Bucks is motivated by the difficulty of winning a title in Milwaukee. “It was very difficult, but we did it. I love challenges »says Antetokounmpo. While winning a ring may be hard enough to be a major challenge, nothing prevents Giannis from feeling too comfortable. Of course, surely the Bucks prefer to win two titles in a row than to keep their great star.
(Cover photo by Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)