When Giannis Antetokounmpo was attempting to make a decision in 2020 on whether to sign an extension with the Milwaukee Bucks, he consulted a number of his superstar peers for advice.
“That summer, I was calling people that were in my position in the past,” Antetokounmpo tells ESPN. “I was like, ‘What do I do? Do you stay? Do you not stay? Do you stay? Do you not stay?’ And everybody was basically telling me not to stay.”
The Bucks had already traded three future first round picks for Jrue Holiday, but there were questions on whether they could win a title.
“But my gut said, ‘No. I’m here. They gave me an opportunity. They changed my life. I’m here.’ And when I was driving back to my house, I called the GM [Jon Horst] and told him, ‘I’m signing.'”
Antetokounmpo informed Jon Horst on Dec. 15, 2020 that he would sign the extension.
“It’s one of the greatest memories and moments of my life so far,” Horst said.
Word of the decision spread across Milwaukee.
“Then all of a sudden, everybody went downtown, I signed the contract and I said, ‘We’re going to win,'” said Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks went on to win the 2021 Finals.