Giannis Antetokounmpo did not exactly hold the Milwaukee Bucks hostage this summer. However, very few will deny that he straight-up threatened the organization about leaving if they don’t shape up.
The Bucks got their superstar’s message and they responded by bringing in Damian Lillard. There was no better way to heed Giannis’ call than by giving him exactly what he wanted.
Milwaukee Bucks GM Sheds Light on Damian Lillard Trade
Bucks general manager Jon Horst recently spoke with Malika Andrews of ESPN and a fair amount of their conversation centered around the team’s recent Dame coup. Horst got brutally honest about the front office doing everything and anything they can to please Antetokounmpo:
“I think we’ve done everything we can over the past couple of years to put the best product on the floor, with Giannis, for Giannis, for the organization,” Horst said, via Ishaan Bhattacharya of Fadeaway World. “There’s no doubt we’ve invested in him and the entire team. Getting Damian Lillard was the best thing for the franchise now and going forward. We’re really excited to have him.”
Mjs Bucks22 Bucks Sisti Desisti 8413
To be clear, there’s no animosity here whatsoever. Horst is simply spitting facts. Giannis is the Bucks and the simple truth is that anything that will benefit Antetokounmpo will also benefit the organization as a whole.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future
The discussion then touched on the presumed impact of Lillard’s arrival on Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks. Simply put, is this blockbuster deal enough to convince Giannis to sign an extension?
While Horst did not answer this burning question directly, the high-ranking team executive indicated that the front office is confident that they have put Antetokounmpo in a position to win another championship:
“I think it’s important to understand that whatever Giannis says publicly and privately is very much aligned with what we believe as an organization,” Horst said. “It’s not just recent, we’ve done everything we can every step along the way to put the best team on the floor each and every day, constantly push the limits, and try to compete at the highest level. We’ve had championship success in the past and we’re looking forward to figuring out how to get better. I think this trade is the most recent example of it.”
Now more than ever, it’s championship or bust for Giannis and the Bucks.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @PaoloSongcoNBA, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” You can also reach out to Paolo Songco via email at pao.songco@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.
