NBA champion, two-time MVP – Giannis Antetokounmpo is undoubtedly one of the protagonists in the strongest basketball league in the world. Shortly before the start of the season, the Greek has decided to extend his contract.
The league gets underway this week. And the newly formed Milwaukee Bucks are looking to compete for the title. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and his super dominant game, but from now on also with Damian Lillard in the backcourt. The chances are not bad.
The mood in the beer city of Milwaukee in the US state of Wisconsin has been further lightened by the contract extension with go-to-guy Antetokounmpo shortly before the first tip-off on Friday night (1.30 a.m., home game against the Philadelphia 76ers).
As the Greek confirmed via his social media and what US media had placed on Monday, the player and franchise agreed on a new three-year, $186 million contract that will take effect with the 2025/26 season. Gone, then, is the fear in Milwaukee that Antetokounmpo could hit the market as a free agent in 2025.
The 28-year-old is one of the pros in the league who can dominate the game. He has been voted MVP twice and won the title for the first time two years ago with the Bucks.
Like Jordan and Olajuwon
Last Giannis had ruled out an extension. From a financial perspective, he could well have waited another year and earned even more money next summer. With the new contract, meanwhile, the power forward can pull an option for the 2027/28 season and then become a free agent.
Antetokounmpo was drafted 15th overall in the 2013 draft and has played for the Bucks ever since. Last season he averaged his best ever 31.1 points per game. He joins basketball legends Michael “Air” Jordan and Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon as the only players to win MVP, Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in his NBA career.
