Obviously, the Milwaukee Bucks are going to offer their star Giannis Antetokounmpo a supermax deal when the time comes. While we await that period which will be next summer, much buzz and talk will build surrounding the situation.
However, some talk already took place. That’s right, Milwaukee’s general manager Jon Horst appeared on FOX Sports Wisconsin which seems an innocent enough place, right? After all, there may have only been a few dozen folks even watching this little Milwaukee Bucks ‘town hall’ question and answer that night.
Unfortunately for the Bucks and Horst, this was not the case. The fun all got started when he was asked ‘what is the situation with Giannis’ long-term contract’.
"What is the situation with Giannis' long-term contract?"
Jon Horst answers: pic.twitter.com/a6O4uAaoIE
— FOX Sports Wisconsin (@fswisconsin) September 13, 2019
Surely – if there was anything big going down on this huge NBA story – we aren’t hearing it on a regional broadcast town hall Q&A. Without question, it’s coming from Stephen A. Smith or someone of that fiber about nine or so hours before Giannis signs.
However, Horst said a little bit too much. And by too much, he spoke on the matter to begin with. Here’s what he had to say.
“First of all, the answer for now is that we can’t talk and negotiate anything. So Giannis, basically, a year from now will be eligible for a supermax extension. At that time, of course, he will be offered a supermax extension.”
And that’s it. Simply, that’s all it took for the NBA to drop the hammer on Milwaukee with a $50,000 fine.
The Bucks were guilty of “violating league rules governing the timing of discussions regarding future player contracts and permissible commitments to players.” Of course, NBA rules don’t allow teams to talk about a player’s upcoming contract while a current one is ongoing.
The ‘Greek Freak’ Antetokounmpo is under contract for this season and next. Then, the Bucks will have to ante up maximum dollar to keep the league’s 2018-2019 Most Valuable Player.
While $50,000 may not seem like a lot, it’s likely enough to keep the organization from doing this again.
