The Greek Freak isn’t going anywhere.
On Tuesday afternoon, The Athletic’s Shams Charania was the first to report that Giannis Antetokounmpo will sign his five-year, $228.2 million supermax contract. The superstar confirmed his decision via social media shortly after.
Breaking: Giannis Antetokounmpo says he is signing a contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks. The two-time MVP will sign a five-year, $228.2 million supermax extension with the franchise, the largest deal in NBA history, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 15, 2020
https://twitter.com/Giannis_An34/status/1338912608662003715?s=20
By inking his new deal, Antetokounmpo will become the highest-paid player in NBA history. And considering he is coming off back-to-back MVPs and a Defensive Player of the Year title, I think it’s safe to say that makes plenty of sense.
Here’s a breakdown of the money he is set to make.
Giannis Antetokounmpo supermax extension
2021/22 $39.3M
2022/23 $42.5M
2023/24 $45.6M
2024/25 $48.8M
2025/26 $51.9MTotal $228.2M
Average $45.6M— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 15, 2020
And how it stacks up to the rest of the NBA …
Five biggest contracts in NBA history
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (2020) $228.2M
2. Russell Westbrook (2017) $206.8M
3. Steph Curry (2017) $201.2M
4. Klay Thompson (2019) $189.9M
5. Anthony Davis (2020) $189.9M— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 15, 2020
For months fans and organizations alike were on the edge of their seat waiting to see if Antetokounmpo would commit to the Bucks long-term. Teams across the league were making decisions this offseason with the idea of potentially making a run at the big man come the 2021 offseason. However, throughout this time, Antetokounmpo has continued to say he was plenty interested in staying in Milwaukee. And for that price tag, I don’t think anyone can blame him.
The Bucks organization also made plenty of moves this offseason to prove they will do what it takes to satisfy their 2013 draft pick. Jrue Holiday was acquired in a surprisingly massive trade this offseason, while several other solid veteran talents were added to fill out the roster. Whether or not this was always the plan for Antetokounmpo will probably remain unknown, but I think it can be assumed the franchise’s willingness to add improved talent played a role in making the two-time MVP feel more confident.
Anyway, so this new pretty much sucks for the rest of the NBA, the Bulls included. While it was incredibly unlikely that Chicago could lure Antetokounmpo in 2021, it was fun to know the revamped organization could at least have a chance. Antetokounmpo’s decision just further diminishes the value of the once super appealing 2021 free agency class. The group may still be better than this season, but a number of big-name talent has frustratingly come off the board this offseason. For more on that, check this out.
Oh, and we now know the Bulls will also have to play Antetokounmpo four times a year for the next six years. Great. Can’t wait.