Giannis Antetokounmpo commits to Bucks with new contract
May 13, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots during warmups prior to game six of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Giannis Antetokounmpo sparked some speculation about his long-term future with the Milwaukee Bucks during the offseason, but he put that to rest on Monday.
Antetokounmpo agreed to a contract extension with the Bucks on Monday, confirming the news himself via social media.
MILWAUKEEEEEEEEE!! Let’s get it!!!! #BucksInSix #Extended pic.twitter.com/2wP0AVqG3Y
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) October 23, 2023
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the deal is for three years and $186 million. It also includes a player option for the 2027-28 season.
Deal includes a player option on the 2027-2028 season, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/RSn2u4QCPU
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 23, 2023
Antetokounmpo had said during the offseason he would only re-sign with Milwaukee if he knew they were committed to continuing to try to contend for championships. The Bucks seemed to send a message to that effect by trading for Damian Lillard roughly a month later.
The decision for Antetokounmpo to sign now is definitely a surprise. By waiting a year, he could have been in line for an even bigger deal, and he said just three weeks ago that he intended to wait to sign for that reason. Obviously, he was convinced that the Bucks are heading in the right direction, and decided to put an end to speculation.
