How Giannis Antetokounmpo is using Kobe Bryant's approach to free agency

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is not satisfied with having one NBA title. This, he made abundantly clear in recent statements regarding how he’ll approach his contract situation. Although the “Greek Freak” is signed to play in Milwaukee until 2025, he’s eligible for a contract extension. However, in a talk with the New York Times, Giannis said he has to see how the team does in the next few seasons before deciding on anything regarding his future with the franchise.

Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas remarked how eerily similar Giannis’ negotiating tactics are to what the late, great Kobe Bryant did back in 2007 when he asked to be traded away from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Committed to winning

Giannis already won an NBA title in 2021 when he led the Bucks past the Phoenix Suns. A taste of NBA glory, though, was not enough for Giannis, and he’s pushing the franchise to continue the effort to bring another championship to Milwaukee.

“Giannis is doing what Kobe Bryant did, like, ‘Before I sign this thing, what are we doing here. I don't want to be Allen Iverson. I don't want to be Charles Barkley. Even though I’ve won a ring, I wanna win multiple ‘cause that’s what the legacy is built on. He's just using his leverage,” Arenas said on the Gil Arena Show.

“[Giannis] is doing what Kobe Bryant did… ‘Before I sign this thing, what are we doing here… I wanna win multiple rings, cause that’s what the legacy is built on.’”

Gilbert Arenas on Giannis’ future with the Bucks 🗣️

(via @GilsArenaShow)pic.twitter.com/6rWOJnRdDT
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 29, 2023

Kobe’s trade demand

Arenas was referring to what Kobe did in the offseason of 2007. Growing frustrated with the franchise’s inability to field a championship-contending squad, Kobe demanded the Lakers trade him to another squad, with the Chicago Bulls being his top choice. Although talks with the Bulls regarding a transaction took place, nothing ever materialized.

A trade to the Detroit Pistons was also on the table that would have sent Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince to the Lakers, but Kobe admitted in 2015 that he scuttled that trade. The Lakers eventually kept Kobe and added Pau Gasol to the mix, and the team eventually won two more NBA titles.