Much has been made about Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially shaking up the NBA landscape by leaving the Bucks this offseason. Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett has weighed in on the hot topic, and he believes Giannis will stand pat.
In a recent guesting on Complex's Load Management podcast, Garnett explained his rationale behind his claim:
“I don’t see Giannis leaving,” Garnett said, via Jordan Treske of Behind the Buck Pass. “I think Giannis is comfortable with being in a small market. He won’t want those responsibilities of being in a big market. I know social media is going to play a part in that, but he’s a very firm, very stubborn kid. To the point where he can do another three years in Milwaukee and see if it works. I don’t know if that’s the smartest, but he’s bull-headed enough to make a stand and stay with that franchise and go through it until he sees different. I don’t see him leaving.”
Fair point from KG here. He sure knows a thing or two about being bullheaded, so he's likely speaking from experience here. During his playing days, he spent the first 12 seasons of his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves with minimal playoff success before he finally asked for a trade and got dealt to the Boston Celtics, which immediately resulted in a championship.
Garnett acknowledged how the Bucks will, however, need to add some talent around the MVP:
“He does need more help, but he can get help right there where he’s at,” Garnett said. “The East is going to be different next year, You got KD and KD’s taken two years off. I don’t know if y’all remember John Wall, but he’s also had two years off. The East is going to be different next year. I’m expecting it to be very different next year.”
Antetokounmpo is eligible to sign a record-breaking supermax extension with the Bucks this offseason. Even if he doesn't sign the deal, he has said he plans to be in Milwaukee for at least next season.
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