Former Clippers Player Reacts to Giannis Antetokounmpo's Viral Comments

Giannis Antetokounmpo has applied some pressure to the Milwaukee Bucks

During a recent episode of his Old Man and the Three Podcast, former LA Clippers guard JJ Redick discussed Giannis Antetokounmpo's recent viral comments about only re-signing with the Milwaukee Bucks if he feels everyone is committed to pursuing championships.

"Giannis had some comments this summer to the New York Times, I just want to read them real quick," Redick said. "When asking about signing an extension or waiting a year he said, 'Numbers wise it doesn't make sense to do it this year. Next summer it would make more sense for both parties. Even then, I don't know. I would not be the best version of myself if I don't know that everybody's on the same page, everybody's going for a championship, everybody's going to sacrifice time away from their family like I do. And if I don't feel that, I'm not signing.'"

Speaking about the changes the Bucks have made to ownership and coaching, Redick spoke on Antetokounmpo's comments within the context of Milwaukee's future outlook, saying, "We know this core, but there is some unknowns about this team."

On the more immediate future, which of course could impact the way Antetokounmpo approaches his contract extension, Redick added, "I think they have the support cast... I think it was a no-brainer to bring Brook [Lopez] and Khris [Middleton] back, because you still have two years until the second apron really comes into affect. So to me, based on Giannis's comments, based on what we're talking about with the second apron, they probably have a two-year window here."

Redick's point is that while Antetokounmpo has now applied some pressure on the Bucks, this core realistically has two years left of contention. Maximizing this window is important for Milwaukee, but now even more so with Antetokounmpo making it clear that his future there is dependent on sustained championship contention.

Related Articles

Lil Wayne Reacts to James Harden to Clippers Trade Request

Patrick Beverley Slams Lakers' Usage of Russell Westbrook

Paul George Reacts to Teammate Planning to Retire