Giannis Antetokounmpo made it clear that he would leave the Milwaukee Bucks to join another team if they had a greater chance of winning a title.
Now it appears his future in Milwaukee could come down to one particular “X-Factor”. SiriusXM NBA Radio, which he spoke on over the weekend. ESPN insider Bobby Marks said Giannis’ future in Milwaukee may hinge on Jrue Holiday.
“I don’t think Giannis Antetokounmpo going to sign an extension [because] it doesn’t make sense financially,” Marks said. “I would be concerned based on what happens with Jrue Holiday. I think that’s going to be the X-factor.
“[That’s] what I’m going to keep an eye on because Holiday is extension-eligible starting up, I think February 22. Potentially could be a free agent next year,” Marks added. “What does Milwaukee do with him? If they lose him, they’re going to be in deep trouble.”
Giannis extended his contract with the Bucks for a maximum of 5 years and $228 millions in December 2020.
His deal includes a player option for the 2025-26 season, meaning he could leave Milwaukee in the summer of 2025 (and that’s assuming he doesn’t ask for a trade before then).
The Bucks, who had won the 2021 championship after losing Khris to injury, lost in the 2nd round of 2022’s playoffs. Milwaukee was then beaten 4-1 by the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2023 playoffs.
The team then fired Mike Budenholzer as head coach, despite the fact that he led them to victory just two years prior.
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