The NBA world kept a collective set of eyes on two-time MVP and Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo to see what his decision would be ahead of his looming 2021 free agency
On Tuesday afternoon, the wait was finally over. Giannis decided to give an early Christmas present to the city of Milwaukee.
Antetokounmpo will sign a contract extension to stay with the Bucks for the foreseeable future.
The supermax extension lasts five years and will be worth $228.2 million, making for the largest deal in NBA history. Charania confirmed that the deal will have opt-out clause for 2025.
Milwaukee will now owe their two-time MVP a total of $256 million over the next six seasons. All of that money will seem worth it if Giannis can bring a title to the Bucks.
Breaking: Giannis Antetokounmpo says he is signing a contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks. The two-time MVP will sign a five-year, $228.2 million supermax extension with the franchise, the largest deal in NBA history, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 15, 2020
Giannis Antetokounmpo is now guaranteed $256M over the next six seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. https://t.co/sJEkq1J1RY
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 15, 2020
Antetokounmpo also confirmed to the league that he’s committed to the Bucks for the next few seasons on his social media platforms on Tuesday.
“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,” the two-time MVP tweeted.
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. 🤎🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/895tCBE9RK
— Giannis Ugo Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) December 15, 2020
The news definitely marks the most important transaction of the NBA offseason. After Charania’s report emerged, the sports world reacted with in awe on Twitter.
Take a look:
Seeing a back-to-back MVP sign a monster extension to stay with the small-market team that drafted him is very cool. Seldom see anything else like that anymore. https://t.co/DStFxqnsEY
— B. W. Carlin (@BaileyCarlin) December 15, 2020
Time to move on, Raptors fans … https://t.co/o6hfcfUM01
— Jeff Blair (@SNJeffBlair) December 15, 2020
Great for the city of Milwaukee, and Bucks fans. https://t.co/jm3Bsf6Hhs
— Ry (@JustRyCole) December 15, 2020
Great googly moogly https://t.co/46jPlCuEVJ
— Chris Vannini 😷 (@ChrisVannini) December 15, 2020
Every team that thought they had a shot at signing Giannis this offseason:pic.twitter.com/rMRKBvh3Fk https://t.co/APPuT4OdwB
— The Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) December 15, 2020
Bucks’ Peter Feigin was participating with presidents of Brewers, Packers and Admirals on Milwaukee Press Club webinar when news broke of Giannis’ signing. He said “this is a great day in Bucks history” and respectfully bows out of the Zoom call. That’s breaking news!
— Tom (@Haudricourt) December 15, 2020
Finally! A win for a small market franchise, keeping their drafted & developed superstar. Bucks & city of Milwaukee showed Giannis a lot of love early in his career. That paid off in his decision to bypass free agency (so did the 228 million!) https://t.co/Gl8IwkBwFv
— Mark Schanowski (@MarkSchanowski) December 15, 2020
The Milwaukee Bucks did not win an NBA championship today … but this is the closest thing to it for the franchise
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 15, 2020
Most NBA fans focused on how Giannis’s decision marks an important day for small market teams in the league. Nowadays, star players rarely remain with the team that drafted them, so Antetokounmpo’s decision represents a departure from that. With the signing, Milwaukee affirmed their commitment to compete for an NBA title over the next five years.
It’s been a busy offseason for the Bucks as they attempt to retool going into the 2020-21 regular season. Milwaukee dealt George Hill and Eric Bledsoe in a three-team trade to acquire two-way point guard Jrue Holiday. The Bucks also re-signed Pat Connaughton and brought in a crew of other role players to better support Giannis.
But before the new NBA year gets underway, Milwaukee will celebrate. Today marks a huge win for the Bucks who should be in the mix for a championship as soon as this year.
The post NBA World Reacts To The Giannis Contract News appeared first on The Spun.
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