Giannis Antetokounmpo took to Twitter to announce that he is planning to sign a maximum contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks that is reported to be worth $228.2 million over five years, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. It is the largest deal on the history of the league, and the contract has an opt out clause in 2025.
Every team in the league has been waiting to see what Antetokounmpo’s decision would be, as the big man had until December 21 to sign the supermax extension. He could have waited until the offseason to sign a new contract after the deadline passed, making him an unrestricted free agent allowing him to sign with any team in the NBA.
In Antetokounmpo’s announcement, he said:
“This is my home, this is my city. I’m blessed to be able to be a part of the Milwaukee Bucks for the next 5 years. Let’s make these years count. The show goes on, let’s get it.”
Milwaukee Bucks can now enter the upcoming season without any contract discussions looming over their heads, and focus on their goal of moving to the NBA finals and winning a trophy with Giannis as the centrepiece. The Bucks used the offseason to reload and provide more depth and weapons around Antetokounmpo, post a disappointing second-round playoff loss last season.
They executed a trade bring two-way guard Jrue Holiday to Milwaukee in exchange for three future first-round picks, Eric Bledsoe and George Hill.
Antetokounmpo put up yet another extremely efficient year by averaging a career-high 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists. He won back-to-back league MVPs. His commitment to staying in Milwaukee makes it evident that he trusts this organisation to help him fulfil his goal of bringing the first championship trophy to the franchise since 1971.
