The collapse of the Milwaukee Bucks’ sign-and-trade deal for Sacramento Kings swingman Bogdan Bogdanovic has resulted in a drop regarding the team’s confidence in re-signing superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report offered insight into how the Bogdanovic deal went from being a likely trigger for Antetokounmpo to sign a massive contract extension to potential disaster.
“Giannis admired his fellow European’s toughness and swagger,” sources told Fischer.
There was apparently “tremendous confidence” within the Bucks that Antetokounmpo would sign the supermax when it seemed the team would trade for Jrue Holiday and acquire Bogdanovic.
“There has since been a categorical step back in that confidence, even if Antetokounmpo does ultimately accept the franchise’s offer of a five-year, $228 million supermax extension,” wrote Fischer.
Unlike many NBA players, Antetokounmpo isn’t looking to play on a bigger stage and appears comfortable at the idea of spending his entire career with the Bucks.
However, not being able to obtain Bogdanovic is a blow to Antetokounmpo’s wish for the Bucks to build around him.
Antetokounmpo has been frustrated by the Bucks’ inability to advance to the NBA Finals, with his injury during the 2020 postseason helping to send the Bucks home again.
