Giannis Antetokounmpo announced that he will be signing his five-year supermax extension, answering the biggest question facing the Milwaukee Bucks.
The biggest question facing the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo has now been answered.
Giannis Antetokounmpo broke the news himself that he will be signing his five-year, $228 million supermax extension, meaning the prime of his playing career will be in Milwaukee. It also doubles as the largest contract in NBA history.
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According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the deal includes an opt-out clause for 2025.
Still, the Bucks landing the commitment that they have with the reigning two-time Most Valuable Player answers the biggest question facing the franchise and their long-term future. And Antetokounmpo will stay in the city and with the organization that took a chance on him more than seven years ago.
Giannis Antetokounmpo signing his five-year supermax extension makes this one of the landmark moments in the history of the Milwaukee Bucks franchise.
As Bucks president Peter Feigin himself said at a press event, Antetokounmpo extending his stay for foreeseeable future undoubtedly makes this one of the best days in franchise history.
#Bucks president Peter Feigin at a Milwaukee Press Club event: "This is one of the great days in Bucks history" via @TomDaykin https://t.co/0FGsjFRjct
— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) December 15, 2020
Like the organization, front office and his teammates, the entire Bucks fanbase are breathing a collective sigh of relief in seeing Antetokounmpo reaffirm his loyalty to the franchise and see, as Antetokounmpo put it himself, the show go on.
That obviously means that the Bucks will have to capitalize on this title window that has opened up since the arrival of Mike Budenholzer. As Antetokounmpo said last week in his media availability, his desire to win a ring and be the best player in the world comes above all else and the Bucks have certainly empowered him to do exactly that over his incredible rise and journey.
It certainly goes without saying that Antetokounmpo’s extension is no small feat for the Bucks. The domino effect of the 26-year-old staying put in Milwaukee has yet to be seen around the league, but the many teams who had lined themselves up to be in the Giannis sweepstakes in free agency next offseason are now heading for the exit.
That, by no means, figures the pressure is off the Bucks. Not by a longshot as making good on their championship potential means overcoming their playoff demons this year and beyond. But now they can do so without having the weight of the world on their shoulders.
Much work has to be done in order for the Bucks to win a title. But for now, I implore all Bucks fans to celebrate this moment. Our homegrown superstar is here to stay and isn’t going anywhere.