The Heat will try to recruit Giannis in 2021. Here’s what his agent said about free agency.
For the Miami Heat, 2021 can’t come soon enough.
Much like the heralded 2019 free agent class, 2021’s is brimming with superstar talent. Everyone from LeBron James to Kawhi Leonard to Paul George could be looking for a new home.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably the crown jewel of the class. At 25, the reigning MVP won’t have even entered his prime when he hits the open market. And while he hasn’t given any indication that he wants to leave Milwaukee, his agent Alex Saratsis recently told WTMJ-TV that “everything is open.”
“I think he’s someone who could easily say, ‘I’d like to be in Milwaukee my entire career,’ Saratsis said last Thursday. “I think he’s also someone who, depending on how the team does, could say, ‘I need a change.’”
As Saratsis later alluded to, Antetokounmpo’s impending decision hinges upon one thing: winning. The Bucks certainly have the tools to do so and have come out on fire following last year’s Eastern Conference finals loss. When asked about his upcoming free agency during the All-Star break, the new father echoed his agent’s comments.
“I’m a guy that wants to be with a team for a while but as long as we’re winning,”Antetokounmpo told USA Today Sports. “And we’re winning so far, so I don’t think anything is going to change.”
The Bucks currently have the best record in the NBA. If that success carries over to the postseason, it looks like Milwaukee will be the front-runner to keep Antetokounmpo especially considering how much he values loyalty.
“Giannis believes in loyalty,” Saratsis continued. “He believes in the people who’ve been there with him from the beginning and I think he feels that kinship to the city.”
Loyalty, however, can only go so far. Players of Antetokounmpo’s caliber usually place a premium on hardware. Although Milwaukee seems primed to keep him right now, a lot can change in 17 months. If it does, count on Pat Riley being there, his eight rings glistening in the light.
