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Milwaukee Bucks: 3 Keys to Re-signing Giannis Antetokounmpo

By Matt LeVene

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on March 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on March 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Success in the Playoffs

After the 2019 Eastern Conference birth, the Giannis led Bucks were poised to take that next leap and make the finals. Obviously, that did not happen, and the Bucks bubble trip was shorter than expected as the Miami Heat bounced them in the second round. Looking retrospectively, a majority of the team and coaching staff had lackluster performances. So this season, that provides a golden opportunity for the team to prove themselves to the world as a legitimate championship caliber team.

Assuming Giannis has not re-signed before the deadline, this year’s postseason will provide the final opportunity for the Bucks to convince Giannis to stay. However, it is not just the supporting cast that needs to improve; Giannis himself has had more than his fair share of playoff struggles. Coach Budenholzer, Giannis, and the organization as a whole reiterated that while a championship is the main goal, this season is not championship or bust. While this gives an optimistic look at the chances of Giannis re-signing, winning a title would virtually guarantee it.

The Bucks’ offseason moves were clearly centered around playoff success. They moved on from some former players who underperformed in previous playoff runs and acquired seasoned vets who have playoff experience and skill sets that will complement Giannis very well. While the public message may not be that this is a championship or bust season, the acquisitions and amount of future draft picks traded away indicate otherwise. Assuming Giannis is not extended before the regular season tips-off, the playoffs will provide the ultimate proving ground to determine the future of the franchise.

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These are just three of the biggest keys to extending the Bucks’ superstar, but there are many more variables that go into the equation. The ongoing contract negotiation between Giannis’ agent and the Milwaukee front office will be closely monitored by the media and become a national spectacle. Bucks fans all over the world will be anxiously awaiting the day the Greek Freak commits to Milwaukee long term.

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