This offseason, Thanasis Antetokounmpo of the New York Knicks faced a difficult decision. He could either play for the New York Knicks’ D-League team or he could play in the Italian’s A-League division.
More from NBA
- NBA insider: Cavaliers should consider trading Donovan Mitchell
- NBA rumors: Hawks trade candidate, Sixers miss out, Lakers almost lose Reaves
- NBA insider explains real reason the Grizzlies were done with Dillon Brooks
- Knicks projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
- Rockets projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
On the surface it seems like an easy choice as anybody who has ever laced up a sneaker dreams of playing in the NBA, but what if additional money was involved? That’s exactly the situation Thanasis Antetokounmpo was facing as his contract offer from an Italian team was worth $500,000 dollars more than what he’d make playing on the New York Knicks’ affiliate.
"According to agent Tim Lotsos, the Italian club, Varese, offered Antetokounmpo a two-year deal worth $550,000 with an opt-out to join the NBA after one year. Olympiakos in Greece and Sevilla in Spain also offered him deals."
While most would have likely taken the money, Antetokounmpo decided that he would prefer to play in the NBA’s Developmental League, leaving the extra cash on the table. It was a choice that shocked everybody involved, including his agent who stated the following.
“Amazing isn’t it? To my surprise, he passed on it. He’s very ambitious and determined to make the NBA. It’s a big sacrifice. It could’ve really put him ahead of schedule in his career. I didn’t try to force him. I wanted him to make his own decision.’’
Of course, the decision to not take the additional money will likely expedite Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s arrival to the New York Knicks and he’ll be able to make up the difference in money once he gets a true NBA contract.