Giannis Antetokounmpo signed a supermax extension of $228 million with the Milwaukee Bucks, the largest contract in the history of the NBA.
If there are happiest fans in the world right now, it would be the Milwaukee Bucks fans. The Milwaukee superstar finalized a massive deal with the organization. Giannis Antetokounmpo's recent inking became a historic event for the fans and to the team.
Giannis Antetokounmpo guaranteed the Milwaukee Bucks a strong playoff berth this NBA 2020-2021. No one could know what will happen in the next five years, with the Greek Freak putting all the gears together on his back. The 26-year-old power forward already knows the responsibility he will face in the upcoming NBA regular season that will kick off on December 22.
For General manager Jon Horst and head coach Mike Budenholzer, this was a jackpot on the part of the Greek player and the organization. Antetokounmpo's commitment and loyalty was something that Horst admired.
Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo started slow, only averaging 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game during his first NBA Season.
No one noticed how Giannis Antetokounmpo played back then. But on his second year, The Alphabet stat-padded an average of 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. He was getting the groove of the Milwaukee Bucks' set up.
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Now, Giannis Antetokounmpo got the limelight focused on him, while he improved every year in his stats. His latest average for the season 2019-2020 was 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists to go with a block and a steal per game. He is way ahead now than before.
The two-time MVP knew how to combine opportunity and gratitude. First, Giannis Antetokounmpo looks up to Milwaukee Bucks as a second family. He has been playing for the Wisconsin-based team for seven years. Second, the 2016-2017 Most Improved Player secured that every coin in the deal is guaranteed, as he will not be a free agent after the season.
It simplified that Giannis Antetokounmpo occupied 35 percent of the team's salary cap space and accepted an additional year for assured finance. It was the magic that the Bucks did: waiting for a 15th overall pick to improve, then sign him to a maximum contract that will match his contribution to the team.
In some cases, a player could still leave even if his contract is not yet expired. For example, Paul George, another star player, signed a $137 million, four-year deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has yet to finish his max contract, but he was traded to Los Angeles Clippers in a multi-player deal. Now, he is continuing the effect of his Oklahoma contract following an additional $190 million extension.
Other NBA players, including James Harden, John Wall, Stephen Curry, and Damian Lillard, have also agreed to a supermax extension aside from Giannis Antetokounmpo.
If things do not turn great for the Greek in Milwaukee, he could find a team elsewhere like Paul George. Anthony Davis did the same with New Orleans Pelicans and later jumped to Los Angeles Lakers to win his first ring. John Wall, after his max contract with the Washington Wizards, will return to action with a new team, the Houston Rockets.
The Milwaukee Bucks was upset last season in an embarrassing loss against the Miami Heat in the East Conference semifinals. It could be a great chance for Giannis Antetokounmpo to explore what he can improve with the team.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the third-youngest player to become a back-to-back MVP after LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabar. He was also the third player to win the MVP and the Defensive Player of the Year in the same year, with elites like Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon in front of him.
Still, the Greek Freak deserves more time with his family after his year-round hard work. "I just want to have kids, being able to raise my kids and win a championship. After that, my life's complete. I can retire in five years. Nah, I'm joking."
Giannis' fellow superstar LeBron James admired what the young player has done. When he was asked about his similarities with Giannis, James responded quickly.
"My situation and his situation, there's no similarities in it. It's totally different."
Giannis Antetokoumpo was hopeful for a further contention this year.
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