Kofi Inkoom
The basketball world’s attention has once again turned to Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he becomes eligible to sign a long-term extension with his current team.
It’s been three years since the two-time NBA MVP inked his last contract with the Bucks, effectively dashing any hopes of him joining the Toronto Raptors in the summer of 2021.
However, this time around, the landscape appears different. Antetokounmpo has been unequivocal about his top priority—winning—placing it above loyalty to any specific team.
He’s signalled that his commitment to the Bucks will endure only if they share his unwavering dedication to winning.
Consequently, it’s widely anticipated that Antetokounmpo will refrain from signing the extension this season, thereby preserving his leverage and keeping open the possibility of becoming a free agent in two years.
Among the teams closely monitoring this situation, Toronto stands out, alongside the Knicks, Pelicans, Nets, and Warriors. The Raptors’ keen interest in Antetokounmpo traces back to the 2013 NBA draft, reflecting their long-standing desire to secure his services.
Teams expected to monitor Giannis Antetokounmpo’s situation closely:
New Orleans Pelicans
Toronto Raptors
Brooklyn Nets
New York Knicks
Golden State Warriors(Via ESPN) pic.twitter.com/Ygwv7Se8oa
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 21, 2023
In 2020, Toronto made strategic decisions, notably avoiding long-term deals with Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol, in anticipation of the potential opportunity to pursue Antetokounmpo in the open market.
The current scenario, however, presents a different dynamic for the Raptors. Toronto is not currently structured as a win-now destination, a factor that appears to align with Antetokounmpo’s aspirations. Nonetheless, the NBA landscape is known for its rapid transformations.
The development and progress of emerging talents within the Raptors’ roster, such as Scottie Barnes, O.G. Anunoby, and Gary Trent Jr., could render Toronto’s youthful core exceptionally appealing to a 28-year-old Antetokounmpo.
Conversely, the Raptors may opt for a win-now approach, strategically augmenting the roster around key players like Pascal Siakam and Jakob Poeltl to attract Antetokounmpo’s interest.
It’s worth noting that the Raptors have been here before, committing to an all-out pursuit of Antetokounmpo. In 2020, they took a calculated step back in a bid to position themselves as contenders for the superstar’s services.
Although that endeavor did not yield the desired outcome, it’s crucial to recognize that players of Antetokounmpo’s caliber rarely become available in the market.
This time around, the circumstances could potentially take a different turn, reshaping the NBA landscape once more.