TMZSports.com
Giannis Antetokounmpo has already made a ton of money in the NBA, but he’s looking to rake in even more in retirement … telling TMZ Sports he wants to take his talents to Saudi Arabia.
It’s becoming quite the trend in sports … with soccer and golf stars getting massive checks made out to them to play in the Middle Eastern country — like Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and all the LIV Golf guys.
Giannis has cracked jokes in the past after seeing the offers being thrown at the biggest names in sports … so when we caught up with him in L.A. this week, we asked if he was really down to suit up in Saudi Arabia after his NBA days.
“Of course,” the 28-year-old said with a smile on his face.
“If the NBA worked out, maybe like a trade between the NBA and Saudi Arabia League, I’m there!” the champ said … although it’s unclear if he meant suiting up for a hoops team, or alongside his buddy Neymar on the soccer pitch.
Giannis isn’t the only NBA superstar who likes the idea — after French soccer star Kylian Mbappe was offered $776 million to play for Al-Hilal, LeBron James tweeted he was also heading to Saudi Arabia.
Me headed to Saudi when they call @RichPaul4 & @mavcarter for that 1 year deal! ✌🏾🤷🏾♂️😁 pic.twitter.com/IX0VSMZYNb
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 25, 2023
@KingJames
While it may all be in good fun, many see a serious issue with players going to Saudi Arabia for a big payday … considering the country’s history of human rights violations.
BTW — Giannis has made $188 MILLION on the court alone through 10 seasons in the league so far … but one thing’s for sure, the dude would love to have more!!