The waiting game has ended, as Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has agreed to a 5-year, $228 million supermax contract extension to stay in Milwaukee. This deal comes six days before the deadline of December 21st for players to sign contract extensions. The back-to-back MVP and reigning Defensive Player of the Year’s contract now sits as the largest in NBA history.
This is my home, this is my city.. I’m blessed to be able to be a part of the Milwaukee Bucks for the next 5 years. Let’s make these years count. The show goes on, let’s get it. 🤎🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/895tCBE9RK
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) December 15, 2020
Let’s take a look at some winners and losers of the Greek Freak’s decision.
Winner: Milwaukee Bucks
Obviously, this is great news for the Bucks, who have, for good reason, not been shy about wanting their star forward to stick around. Through social media rumors to speculation around the league, Giannis has made his decision: Milwaukee. For the next five years, the Bucks will continue to try and build around Antetokounmpo and contend for a championship.
Loser: The Giannis Sweepstakes/2021 NBA Free Agency
Leading up to today, there were multiple teams that were trying to plan for the summer of 2021 to try and make room for the back-to-back MVP. Teams such as Golden State, Dallas, Miami, and even Los Angeles came up whenever someone would mention suitors for Antetokounmpo. Those rumors now come crashing down. With Giannis re-signing, the entire frenzy of the next free agency loses its biggest attraction.
Winner: Eastern Conference
With Giannis continuing to play in Milwaukee, this still keeps things interesting in the Eastern Conference. Now with Giannis re-signing, Brooklyn boasting their duo of Irving & Durant, Boston reloaded and Philadelphia restructured, the formerly known little brother conference to the West will keep some star power of its own.
Loser: Photoshop and Memes
This somewhat ties into my first loser, but now, all internet trolls take a seat. No more photoshopped pictures of Giannis and Jimmy Butler, Steph Curry, etc. No more conspiracy theory posts of Giannis and his relationship with Masaii Ujiri leading to Toronto. Last but not least, no more chances for trolls to pull up old tweets from Antetokounmpo’s then hacked Twitter account saying he needed more shooters and better players. Here lies all Giannis-To-Wherever rumors, at least for the next five years.
Bonus Winner: Social Media
Let us all take a moment to appreciate the good content on social media for a change, moments after Giannis signed his extension.
First, a feel-good tweet from NBA on ESPN:
From little-known international prospect to the biggest contract in NBA history. @Giannis_An34 👏 https://t.co/aeVKTs725P
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 15, 2020
Second, a post that makes fans reminisce of the towering lob from Khris Middleton to Giannis against New York a few years back:
"I’m blessed to be able to be a part of the Milwaukee Bucks for the next 5 years." pic.twitter.com/yBCQM7TbGe
— The Ringer (@ringer) December 15, 2020
Lastly, a laugh shared by Pat Connaughton and Khris Middleton, referencing pens they gifted Giannis for his birthday last week.
@pconnaughton I hope he uses the pens we all gave him!! 🖊🖊🖊 https://t.co/G11lgQ3eE3
— Khris Middleton (@Khris22m) December 15, 2020
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