Giannis Antetokounmpo has turned and signed a three-year, $186 million maximum contract deal to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks, a news the player himself broke (and other reporters followed up with the facts). This move is reminiscent of his hallmark one on the court.
Antetokounmpo’s existing deal, which had two seasons remaining at a total cost of $94.4 million, locked him in for two more seasons at the new maximum ($54.9 million in the first year and $59 million in the second), plus a player option for the 2027–28 season ($60.1 million).
One of the main objectives of the Damian Lillard trade was to persuade Antetokounmpo to remain, and Milwaukee is suddenly the major winner. Being in a position to challenge for a championship was what Antetokounmpo stressed most. He would also wait until the summer of 2019 to negotiate a contract extension with the Bucks so he could get a higher salary (up to a maximum of five years). His remarks urged the company to take risks.
MILWAUKEEEEEEEEE!! Let’s get it!!!! #BucksInSix #Extended pic.twitter.com/2wP0AVqG3Y
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) October 23, 2023
This squad is a strong contender for the next couple of years because to the highly audacious Lillard deal and the Bucks’ spending to re-sign Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez. There couldn’t be much more of a dedication to winning than this, as Antetokounmpo said he wanted to see from the company.
This team’s squad is getting older; Lopez is 36, Lillard is 33, and Middleton is 32. By signing now, Antetokounmpo is only committed to Milwaukee for a short period of time and may depart when the team loses interest in contending while he is still in his prime. Antetokounmpo’s deal has been extended, making it the same four years as Lillard’s. Near the conclusion of this agreement, it’s feasible that Antetokounmpo may opt to leave Milwaukee and the Bucks will have the opportunity to make a trade that kickstarts a rebuild. Alternatively, Antetokounmpo may decide to remain and the Bucks will make other audacious moves that keep them competitive.
In any case, following this extension, it is years away. The Bucks will remain championship contenders for the duration of Antetokounmpo’s stay in Milwaukee.
