Jamal Collier
On Wednesday, Giannis Antetokounmpo reiterated his commitment to the Milwaukee Bucks as they prepare for the start of the regular season, but also said it would be “humane to change your mind” down the line.
Antetokounmpo’s comments follow a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania earlier this week that the Bucks had engaged in trade discussions with the New York Knicks this offseason about a potential deal for the two-time MVP.
Although Antetokounmpo acknowledged he hadn’t read the report, he once again redoubled his desire to compete for championships, whether in Milwaukee or elsewhere.
“I’ve said it many times: I want to be in a situation where I can win,” Antetokounmpo said. “I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I’m here to lead this team to where we can go. It’s definitely going to be tough. We’ll take it day by day, but I’m here. So all the extra stuff doesn’t matter.
“I communicated with my teammates, communicated with the people that I respect and that I love, that the moment I step on this field or in this facility, I wear this jersey, the rest doesn’t matter. I’m locked into everything that I have in front of me. Now, if in six, seven months I change my mind, I think that’s human too.”
After missing the start of training camp in Milwaukee due to illness, Antetokounmpo rejoined the team last weekend in Miami ahead of its first preseason game Sunday, although he did not play. The Bucks will then host the Pistons on Thursday in Milwaukee.
“I’m locked in,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’m committed to this team. I’m committed to these guys, to this group, to this coaching staff and to myself.”
He then compared the offseason to a time of “temptation,” but now that training camp has started, he’s left social media and focused on his craft.
“It’s a temptation. It starts at the end of the season to the beginning of the season,” Antetokounmpo said. “A lot of people are going to approach me or my agent and they’re going to say it’s a possibility, it’s a possibility…but at the end of the day, at the end of the day, I’m going to make a decision. And my decision today is that I’m here and I’m committed to this team.”
