Reaction, analysis to Giannis Antetokounmpo inking max extension

For just about five minutes, Giannis Antetokounmpo had the Milwaukee Bucks fandom confused.

Out of absolute nowhere, the Greek Freak sent out a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, “MILWAUKEEEEEEEEE!! Let’s get it!!!! #BucksInSix #Extended.” That last hashtag caught everyone’s attention, as it alluded to Antetokounmpo inking an extension with the franchise. Indeed, moments later, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Antetokounmpo had signed the dotted line on a new three-year extension worth $186 million.

Reaction, analysis to Giannis Antetokounmpo inking max extension

This news took everyone by surprise. While Antetokounmpo was indeed extension eligible, and it was a no-brainer that the team would offer him the deal, it was not expected that he would sign a deal right now. That was mainly due to the fact that if he were to wait, he could earn a much larger contract next off-season with more years. Well, it looks like he didn’t want to wait.

Giannis was not set to hit free agency anytime soon, as he has two years left on his current deal, – the new one will now kick in after that. Still, it’s great to get the Greek Freak signed on and quiet those who were constantly speculating that he would leave. As always, Giannis has said that he’d stay if the team was as all-in on winning as he is. He proved that this is very much the case.

The acquisition of Damian Lillard almost certainly made it an easier decision for Antetokounmpo to sign this extension. Lillard is someone Antetokounmpo has spoken quite highly of over the years, and the two are now teammates, having formed arguably the most lethal duo in the association. The Greek Freak clearly believes in this team and what the franchise has done.

Now, the Bucks have several key pieces locked up long-term, including Antetokounmpo, Lillard, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis.

General Manager Jon Horst needs some praise here. All off-season, he worked overtime to make moves to help this Milwaukee team bounce back from last season’s debacle, and he did virtually all of it in silence. The Lillard trade and Antetokounmpo deal both essentially came out of thin air. That Executive of the Year Award could very well be in Horst’s possession at season’s end.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.