Giannis Antetokounmpo Calls Co-Owner’s Contract Remarks “A Slap in the Face”
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Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo said he felt “like a slap in my face” after learning that team co-owner Wes Edens publicly vowed the organization would either extend his contract or trade him before he reaches the final year of his deal, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
Edens told ESPN the Bucks had “no intention” of allowing the two-time NBA MVP to play out his contract without a new agreement or a move elsewhere. Antetokounmpo said he saw the comments only after they were published.
“It says a lot,” the 29-year-old star told the Journal Sentinel. “I’ve been loyal to the team, the community, the fans—everyone I work with. Hearing that was almost disrespectful.”
Antetokounmpo stressed that he prefers internal matters to remain private. “I’m here, I’m committed, I’m wearing the jersey,” he said. “Talking publicly about whether I want to be here is disrespectful to my teammates and coaches. What happens behind closed doors should stay there.”
Asked whom he trusts in the front office, Antetokounmpo replied, “Nobody. I don’t feel comfortable talking to anybody.”
The contract dispute comes as the NBA investigates Milwaukee for possible violations of the league’s player participation policy regarding Antetokounmpo’s injury status. The Bucks have maintained he is not ready to play; the All-Star has repeatedly indicated he feels capable of taking the court.
Head coach Doc Rivers acknowledged the strain. “I just want everybody on the same side,” Rivers said. “We have to find a way to keep good people on the same page—and keep it inside.”
Despite the tension, Antetokounmpo said he will “keep on moving forward,” noting that Edens is still his employer.
Source: Hoops Wire
