The Milwaukee Bucks superstar responded to rumors spread by tennis star Nick Kyrgios about him potentially heading down to South Beach.
This year’s NBA free agency class isn’t as exciting and groundbreaking as it was a year prior. Sure, Anthony Davis is technically on the open market, but the expectation is he’ll return to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Next year, however, is the one everyone will be watching, as Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to headline that class. After the Bucks’ early playoff elimination, rumors began circulating that the Miami Heat would look to make a trade for the two-time reigning MVP. In fact, one athlete tried adding fuel to the proverbial fire.
Tennis star Nick Kyrgios said in an interview that he peppered Antentokounmpo with questions about signing with the Heat down the road, to which he said the Bucks star “had a massive smile on his face.” Less than 24 hours later, Antetokounmpo replied to Kyrgios like any annoyed friend would, asking why he had to fuel those rumors.
Giannis Antetokounmpo downplays Heat rumors
Antetokounmpo has said he would prefer to stay in Milwaukee for the remainder of his long career. The expectation is that the Bucks will offer him a super-max contract extension before he hits the open market, but he may choose not to sign it if he feels the organization isn’t built to make a lengthy run at championship contention.
Last month, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that if Antetokounmpo were to hit the open market, the Heat would be “all in” on him. In fact, they’re so willing to pursue him, that they’re actually going to hold off on giving a contract extension to Bam Adebayo.
This past season, Antetokounmpo averaged 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 30. 4 minutes per game over 63 regular-season appearances. Additionally, the Greek Freak shot 55.3 percent from the field and 30.4 percent from behind the 3-point line. Despite setting lofty expectations, Giannis’ Bucks fell short in the playoffs, as they were eliminated in the second round by, ironically, the Heat.
While it’s entirely possible Antetokounmpo takes his talents down to South Beach like LeBron James did in 2010, he doesn’t want to hear any of it right now, especially from Kyrgios. He’s a Milwaukee Buck, for now at least.