Reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is officially staying with the Milwaukee Bucks for years to come.
According to multiple reports, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks reached an agreement on a five-year deal that will keep the 26-year-old superstar with the franchise through the 2025-26 NBA season. The extension is worth $228 million and gives “The Greek Freak” an opt-out after the fourth year.
Antetokounmpo confirmed the news on social media.
This puts an end to one of the most captivating storylines in the NBA this offseason. The Bucks were optimistic that Antetokounmpo would choose to stay in Milwaukee but didn’t know whether their offseason dealings were enough to show him their commitment to winning.
The organization managed to orchestrate a trade for Jrue Holiday but saw a proposed deal for Bogdan Bogdanovic fall through. It appears, however, that Holiday’s arrival and the prospect of staying with the franchise that drafted him were enough for Antetokounmpo to continue playing in green.
The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Giannis Antetokounmpo with the No. 15 overall selection in the 2013 NBA draft even though he was a lesser-known prospect at the time. And while Antetokounmpo needed a few seasons to get accustomed to the NBA, their gamble paid off big in recent years.
Antetokounmpo played better in each season since his rookie season, increasing his averages across the board and ultimately raising his game to an NBA MVP level in the past two seasons. He also established the Bucks as a championship contender, leading the team to the league’s best record in consecutive years.
