As the 2023-24 season nears, the Giannis Antetokounmpo whispers have grown louder. The two-time MVP prioritizes winning another trophy above all else, even if it means leaving Milwaukee.
The New York Knicks might have their attention turned on Joel Embiid, but it’s impossible to ignore the uncertainty surrounding Antetokounmpo’s future. The 28-year-old has a $51.9 million player option in 2025-26 that he could decline to enter free agency, or he could request a trade before then.
Antetokounmpo shook up the NBA on Aug. 24 when his interview with The New York Times was published. He’s eligible to sign an extension and said he doesn’t know if he’ll do so even when next summer rolls around.
His latest comments came courtesy of the “48 Minutes” Bleav podcast, where he reiterated he’ll leave the Bucks if the organization isn’t in a position to contend.
"I'm a Milwaukee Buck, but most importantly I'm a winner. ... If there is a better situation for me to win the Larry O'Brien I have to take that better situation."
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 13, 2023
Giannis on his future with the Bucks. pic.twitter.com/XzucRXtmOv
Knicks dream target Giannis Antetokounmpo reiterates his desire to win
Giannis Antetokounmpo said he could see himself staying in Milwaukee for the entirety of his career if those within the organization are doing whatever it takes to win. If that’s no longer the case, he could take his talents elsewhere to a team with a better outlook than the Bucks.
The pressure is on for Milwaukee in 2023-24, especially after last season’s disappointing first-round exit against Miami. Antetokounmpo did spend time sidelined, but not many people predicted that the Bucks would win only one game.
Milwaukee is expected to be back toward the top of the Eastern Conference this season, and if it results in another early postseason exit, next summer could be all about Antetokounmpo. If New York hasn’t made its star move by then, the front office would be doing what it can to bring the generational talent to the city.
If you had said three years ago that the Knicks could be in a better position than the Bucks, nobody would’ve believed it. New York has had a murky past with stars, but that was under the old regime. Times are changing, and as nice as it’d be to have Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo is the superior option.