Giannis Antetokounmpo agreed to a multi-year extension with the Milwaukee Bucks this week. The agreement will span five years and be worth $228 million.
“This is my home, this is my city,” Antetokounmpo posted on Twitter and Instagram on Tuesday after details of the deal went public.
“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.”
Shortly after the deal was announced, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James reacted to it.
“They tried to build something great for him and obviously they did enough to keep him there,” he said.
“I think it’s great that he’s staying there, he’s committed to that franchise, and that’s what it’s all about.”
LeBron James shares his reaction to Giannis’ historic deal: “My situation and his situation, there’s no similarities in it. It’s totally different.” pic.twitter.com/jQBJa09nHE
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) December 15, 2020
James signed a big dollar deal of his own this past offseason. A few weeks back, he inked a two-year, $85 million extension to remain with the defending champions.
This past season Antetokounmpo averaged a career high 29.5 points and 13.6 rebounds along with 5.6 assists per game. In the process, he captured his second straight league MVP award and became just the third player in league history to win MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same year, joining Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon.
“This is a big moment for me and my family and I want to thank the Bucks organization for believing in us,” Antetokounmpo said.
“You took a chance on us eight years ago and now putting my signature on a contract like this is unreal.”
Yikes Shaq. https://t.co/CBPHOixGJt
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 15, 2020
This past September, Antetokounmpo indicated that he planned to come back stronger and better than ever next year.
“It’s simple,” he said. “You’ve got to be better than what you were last year. If you did not win the whole thing, you’ve got to get better. If you win the whole thing, you’ve got to get better and do it again.”
The Bucks were obviously very happy to secure Antetokounmpo with a long-term deal.
Interesting shirt choice by Katya Elise Henry. https://t.co/tPbxpgGkbI
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 14, 2020
“Giannis is a once in a generation player and we are beyond excited for him to remain with the Bucks,” Bucks co-owners Marc Lasry, Wes Edens and Jamie Dinan said in a statement.
“Giannis positively impacts everyone around him on and off the court and he brings a staggering dedication to winning and leadership to our organization. His work ethic and desire to be the best epitomize what the Bucks stand for and what our future holds.”
The Bucks currently have the third-best odds to win the NBA title next season, coming in behind the Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.
Related: Brendan Haywood Shares Text From LeBron That Weirded Him Out
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
