One of the biggest winners of the All-NBA teams being released on Thursday was Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Greek Freak was named first-team All-NBA, making it three seasons in a row that he has been named to one of the All-NBA teams (he was named second team in the previous two seasons). One of the stipulations of the Designated Veteran Player Extension aka “supermax” contract is that if a qualified player makes one of the All-NBA teams in the most recent season or previous two seasons before being eligible to sign the contract, he would be able to sign for 35 percent of the salary cap.
Antetokounmpo currently has six years of service. After next season, he would have seven years of service and one year left on his current contract, which would make him a qualified player for a five-year max contract extension. Having made the All-NBA team last year and this year means he’s automatically qualified for a supermax contract even if he does not make an All-NBA team next season. If he signs the supermax, such a deal would give him the largest contract in NBA history.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks did the math on it and shares the projected financial figures — it would be a five-year contract worth around $247.3 million.
Earning All-NBA for a second consecutive season now has Giannis Antetokounmpo eligible in the summer of 2020 to sign the largest contract in NBA history. The five-year extension starting in 2021-22 would be worth $247.3M and carry a $42.6, $46.0, $49.5, $52.9 and $56.3M cap hit.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) May 23, 2019
Giannis has developed into an MVP candidate and one of the best players in the league. His work ethic is also incredible. Though he would be costly, he would be deserving of the contract, and Milwaukee would probably be only too happy to sign him longterm.
