Giannis Antetokounmpo accomplished exactly what he’s wanted to accomplish ever since his NBA career began, and that is to win a championship for the Bucks.
However, like many athletes, Antetokounmpo could eventually look to chase a new challenge, which he hinted at in an interview with GQ’s Zach Baron.
“One challenge was to bring a championship here and we did,” Antetokounmpo said. “It was very hard, but we did. Very, very hard. I just love challenges. What’s the next challenge? The next challenge might not be here.
Me and my family chose to stay in this city that we all love and has taken care of us—for now. In two years, that might change. I’m being totally honest with you. I’m always honest. I love this city. I love this community. I want to help as much as possible.”
Some could interpret that as Antetokounmpo potentially seeking an exit from Milwaukee in the future. Keep in mind, however, that he signed a five-year supermax contract last December, which kicked in at the beginning of this season.
His agent, Alex Saratsis, also doesn’t believe Antetokounmpo is seeking an exit from the only team he’s ever suited up for any time soon.
“I don’t think it’s, ‘I’m thinking about leaving the Bucks,’” Saratsis said. “But I think he’s genuinely like: ‘Okay, I have reached the pinnacle. The next challenge is, let’s repeat.’ But what happens if you do repeat? What’s the next challenge? What is that next barrier? When you think about it from a basketball perspective, by the age of 26, this kid has accomplished everything. So sometimes you’re going to have to manufacture what those challenges are.”
Antetokounmpo turns 27 next month, but his resume is already good enough for first-ballot recognition into the Basketball Hall-of-Fame.
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