Giannis Antetokounmpo's impending free agency will be the biggest storyline of next season, though the Milwaukee Bucks remain confident that the soon-to-be two-time MVP will sign an extension with Milwaukee before he is recruited by other organizations.
Antetokounmpo met with Bucks owner Marc Lasry, along with his son, Bucks Senior VP Alex Lasry, for a multi-hour lunch at Antetokounmpo's home outside of Milwaukee to discuss the present and future of the franchise days after the Bucks were disappointingly eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals by the Miami Heat. Antetokounmpo's brothers were present as well.
According to Eric Nehm and Sam Amick of The Athletic, the premature playoff loss, while alarming, does not necessarily move them out of pole position to re-sign Giannis Antetokounmpo, who can sign a five-year supermax extension with Milwaukee that could be worth $220 – $250 million. If he signs elsewhere in free agency in 2021, his new team will be able to offer a four-year contract for about $141 million.
“The Bucks have every reason to be concerned here, if only because the outcome of this season inevitably means Antetokounmpo will have to reconcile all of his doubts,” Amick and Nehm write. “But in terms of the reading of the proverbial room, a source with knowledge of the Bucks’ perspective said they’ve had confidence for quite some time now that Antetokounmpo would sign the supermax.”
During the lunch, Lasry reportedly assured his superstar that he was willing to spend whatever it takes and exceed the luxury tax in order to surround Antetokounmpo with the requisite talent to deliver Milwaukee its first NBA title since 1972.
“Sources say all parties left in good spirits and with a sense of synergy that the Bucks certainly hope continues,” The Athletic reported. “The meeting between Antetokounmpo and Lasry does not solidify Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee, but it does serve as an important first step in one of the most important offseasons in the franchise’s history.”
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