Giannis Antetokounmpo delivers Bucks perfect gift ahead of new NBA season
Giannis Antekounmpo has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks worth a bumper $186 million (£152 million) ahead of the new NBA season.
The seven-time All-Star power forward's importance to the Bucks has been plain to see over the last decade as he established himself an a bona fide great in Wisconsin. Now, the man known to many as the 'Greek Freak' has committed his future to the team he has become synonymous with.
It has been a busy pre-season for Milwaukee, following a blockbuster three-team trade which saw superstar Damian Lillard arrive from the Portland Trail Blazers. Earlier this month, Antekounmpo had claimed that signing an extension this year would not make financial sense.
However, the two-time NBA MVP will now stay in Milwaukee for the next three years, with a player option for the 2027-28 season also on part of the deal, according to the Athletic. Previous to this, the Athens-born star had two years to run on his deal, alongside a player option for a further season.
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Taking to social media to herald his contract extension with the Bucks, he clearly could not hid his delight as he brought the news to his 3.2 million followers on Twitter. Alongside a picture of him holding the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in 2021, he posted: MILWAUKEEEEEEEEE!! Let’s get it!!!! #BucksInSix #Extended."
On October 2, Antekounmpo had been coy on the subject of signing a new contract with the team he has played for since 2013. Speaking at the Bucks' media day, he said: "I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career as long as we are committed to winning."
"I don’t remember where I said it, but I said it did not make sense to sign a contract right now because money isn’t important, but a lot of f****** money is important, so I’m going to sign it next year.
The Milwaukee Bucks welcomed Damian Lillard during pre-season“I gotta always look out for what’s best for me and my family, for my situation, but at the end of the day, I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career as long as we are winning. It’s as simple as that."
His decision to sign a new deal comes as even more of a surprise given how unequivocal he was in his belief that a new contract would eventually be signed in a year.
He added: "As I said, the commitment for me from the team, it’s there, but this year it did not make sense. Anyway, any place you put it it doesn’t make sense for me to sign this year.
"Hopefully, I can have an offer, I can have a good season, the team can have a good season and win a championship and everybody is happy and everybody is being taken care of next year. And hopefully the offer is there on the table and maybe I can take it."
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