On paper, a pen doesn’t seem like a great birthday gift. But it’s the perfect gift this year for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
That’s just what Giannis’ Bucks teammates got him for his 26th on Sunday, presenting the MVP with writing utensils throughout the day.
It’s a light-hearted gesture, but a telling one at the same time.
Even they don’t know what he’s going to do.
It’s been over four weeks since Giannis has been officially eligible to sign his supermax contract extension. He’s yet to sign.
And the longer this thing drags on, the more nervous I get. The more nervous Bucks fans get.
In my mind, there are two possible reasons this decision is taking so long:
1) He’s planning some sort of elaborate announcement that’s not ready yet or…
2) He’s not planning on signing it right now.
The latter seems more logical.
Imagine you (and your agent, by the way) being offered $250 million and not signing on the dotted line immediately.
What’s the hold up?
The Bucks’ roster is set for the time being.
The money is what it is.
You either want to sign now or you don’t.
And maybe he doesn’t. Maybe he wants to keep his options open.
Maybe he wants to keep the pressure on the Bucks organization to continue to improve throughout the season.
As recently as last week, it was considered a foregone conclusion that Giannis was going to sign this thing.
I think we’ve now reached the point where we need to at least prepare ourselves mentally as a fanbase, as a city, and as a state, that he won’t.
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