The NBA regular season came to an end on Sunday as all 30 teams played their final game. Shortly after the Milwaukee Bucks’ 20-point loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Giannis Antetokounmpo said he’s unsure of his future with the team.
“That’s a very good question,” he said when asked if he’s played his last game in a Bucks uniform. “I don’t know. It’s not up to me. We’ll see.”
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This season was by far the Bucks’ worst season in the last decade. With a 32-50 record, they missed the postseason entirely.
One of the biggest storylines this season has been the relationship between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. He expressed frustration with all of the media coverage.
“I feel like sometimes people just don’t listen. They listen to the sources. The main source is me,” he said. “It is what it is. So again, do not disturb on my phone, go about my day, improve, and come back better.”
Much of this coverage increased after it was revealed that the league is investigating the Bucks and their management of Antetokounmpo’s knee injury. While the team has claimed that he’s not ready to return, Antetokounmpo has said he’s healthy and ready to play, something he reiterated on Sunday.
“I thought I had control, kind of like, ‘OK, if I’m healthy, I’m going to play.’ But this shows me that not just me, just players in general, don’t have no control. We got to do what we’ve been told.”
Antetokounmpo’s frustrations with the Bucks extend beyond his playing status. He wasn’t shy about their season.
“We’re very bad. We are the furthest away that we’ve been in the last couple of years,” he said. “How many wins we have? 32? This is the second-lowest wins I’ve ever won.”
If the Bucks don’t move Antetokounmpo before October, he’ll be eligible for a contract extension. He said this is still a real possibility.
“We’ll see when we get there,” he said. “We have months… it’s a long time. But somebody has to offer you that, for you to sign. I haven’t been offered an extension. So, if that is on the table, then I will try to make the best decision for me and my family.”
Ultimately, the NBA is a business and both parties will look to do what’s best for them. Antetokounmpo is prepared for all possibilities.
“If everything goes well, hopefully, the Bucks want me here, why not? But if they don’t? OK.”
James Parker contributed to this story.
