Grading Giannis Antetokounmpo’s surprising max extension with the Bucks
By Dalton Sell
![MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 20 (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 20 (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ba48867a57e8e13d5bb466b9858867b45242050bf50fc8c823b0319e5f39903b.jpg)
The grade on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s extension
It’s hard to give this deal anything other than an A+.
The Bucks weren’t expecting Giannis to agree to an extension this off-season, but he did anyway, showcasing his loyalty after General Manager Jon Horst spent the off-season retooling this roster, which included pulling off the aforementioned Lillard deal. When he says that he’s committed as long as the Bucks are all-in in competing, he clearly means it. He’s shown it with two max deals.
As alluded to previously, this deal also takes away the outside noise and possible distraction that would have hovered over this team all year had Antetokounmpo not signed. This was something that was already being featured heavily in sports media before the season started, so it was nice to see Antetokounmpo put the idea that he’d leave to bed.
Now, the main focus is returning to the promised land and bringing a title to Milwaukee. After the debacle the Bucks endured last season, Giannis and the revamped Bucks should be motivated to get back on the right track. With the team’s top four players all secured financially, the team can focus on getting the job done on the court and competing for years to come.
BTBP Grade: A+
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