Nell Redmond/Associated Press
Sorry, Milwaukee Bucks fans, but you know we had to do it. It’s a nightmare scenario, sure, but even you all should admit there’s a non-zero chance Giannis Antetokounmpo balks at inking a supermax extension and creates this doomsday dilemma for the Deer.
Potential poachers always dreamed this would be the case, and now Milwaukee’s own sales pitches could be losing steam. The Bucks’ best bet always seemed to be winning a championship, but this season may not resume. They also had an ace up their sleeve in being able to offer him a richer contract than anyone, but as B/R’s Eric Pincus explained, the work stoppage could eat into that advantage:
“Before the current national emergency, the league’s projection for 2021-22 was $125 million, which would enable the Bucks to give Antetokounmpo a massive $253.8 million extension starting at $43.8 million. The most another franchise could give him in free agency would be four years and $161.3 million ($37.5 million in the first season).
“… But if the cap takes a significant hit, the financial difference between Antetokounmpo staying and going would drop along with it.”
None of this matters if Antetokounmpo is as loyal to the franchise as Milwaukee fans hope. But if he turns down the team’s best offer and indicates a willingness to test the market, the Bucks will be painted into the pick-your-poison scenario of either trading away the reigning MVP or risk losing a generational talent for nothing next year.
Back in October, 86 percent of general managers picked Antetokounmpo as their preferred centerpiece in the annual NBA.com GM survey. Interest in an Antetokounmpo trade would be astronomic. He’s one of the few players who can shift the league’s balance of power by himself. Whenever the NBA returns, his future will be the story to watch until it’s settled.
All stats, unless otherwise noted, courtesy of NBA.com and Basketball Reference. Salary information obtained via Basketball Insiders.
Zach Buckley covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @ZachBuckleyNBA.
