Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked to respond to Shams Charania’s report about him exploring his options beyond the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason and his interest in the New York Knicks.
“First of all, I haven’t read that story,” said Charania. “When the season starts, I try to get off social media and I try to focus on my craft and the team, but yeah, I’ve said this many times, I want to be in a situation that I can win and now I’m here. I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I’m here to lead this team to wherever we can go and it’s definitely going to be hard. We’re going to take it day-by-day, but I’m here. So, all the other extra stuff does not matter.
“I think I’ve communicated with my teammates, communicated with the people I respect and love that the moment I step on this court or in this facility I wear this jersey, the rest does not matter. I’m locked into whatever I have in front of me.
“Now, if in six, seven months, I change my mind I think that’s human too, you’re allowed to make any decision you want, but I’m locked in. I’m locked in to this team. I’m locked in to these guys, to this group and to this coaching staff and to myself.”
Antetokounmpo will become eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension on October 1, 2026. Antetokounmpo can become a free agent in 2027 for the first time in his career if he does not sign an extension.