Getty Image / Megan Briggs
This offseason, there have been plenty of rumors flying around about MVP winners around the NBA.
James Harden is currently in the midst of trying to get traded.
There has been speculation about Joel Embiid potentially joining him in that pursuit.
However, the most notable player who has won an MVP trophy that ended up being the subject of speculation was Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The speculation came after the Bucks disastrously lost to the Miami Heat in the first round despite owning the NBA’s best record during the regular season.
There were reports of teams monitoring his situation to try and land superstar.
At the time, it seemed unlikely that the Bucks would have any interest in letting go of one of the league’s best players.
However, it now seems that he could be open to the idea in the future.
During an interview with Tania Ganguli for the New York Times, Giannis revealed that he wouldn’t sign an extension with the Milwaukee Bucks if they aren’t dedicated to winning a title.
On Monday, I talked with Giannis Antetokounmpo about how he and his brothers think about their business ambitions. And we talked about his future with the Bucks. Above all other basketball goals, he wants another championship, wherever that takes him. https://t.co/ZLVOnda94T
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) August 24, 2023
“I would not be the best version of myself if I don’t know that everybody’s on the same page, everybody’s going for a championship, everybody’s going to sacrifice time away from their family like I do,” he said. “And if I don’t feel that, I’m not signing.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo has already won a ring with the Bucks, but there’s a strong case to be made that the organization hasn’t really built around him like they should.
While organizations around the league have been trying to put together super teams, Giannis hasn’t really had the chance to play with another bonafide star.
Instead, he has been largely carrying the load for a squad that wouldn’t be particularly compelling without him. That was put on display when Giannis was injured against the Heat in the playoffs.
It looks like the Milwaukee Bucks might have to prove their contender status this season if they want to hold on to their superstar long term.