Milwaukee Bucks star and two-time MVP – Giannis Antetokounmpo – has confirmed he will sign a five-year supermax extension valued at US$228.2 million, making it the richest contract in NBA history. On top of his existing US$100 million four-year deal which was set to expire in late 2021, ‘The Greek Freak’ looks to be financially set for life (and at the tender age of just 26, no less).
“This is my home, this is my city,” Antetokounmpo stated via Twitter.
“I’m blessed to be able to be a part of the Milwaukee Bucks for the next five years. Let’s make these years count. The show goes on, let’s get it.”
Previous to this, the record for richest contract in NBA history was held by James Harden with the Houston Rockets back in 2017 – US$228 million guaranteed across six years. That’s an annual salary of roughly US$38 million.
Antetokounmpo, on the other hand, will be receiving an average annual salary of US$45.6 million, beating both Harden and the next closest contender, the Washington Wizards’ Russell Westbrook at US$41.4 million per year (US$206.8 million across five years).
The Greek Freak’s agent – Alex Saratsis – has revealed to ESPN that the contract includes an opt-out clause after the fourth year. So in the event the big man decides to leave Wisconsin, there is an exit strategy in place.
The league has witnessed quite the ascension from the young Greek native. Drafted as the 15th overall pick in 2013, Antetokounmpo has been integral to the Bucks’ impressive regular season campaign, particularly in these past two years, and recently became the third player to ever earn MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season after Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon.
Antetokounmpo has averaged career highs in points (29.5) and rebounds (13.6), as well as clocking 5.6 assists per game and a 31.9 player efficiency rating; which also happens to be the highest for a single season in NBA history, according to ESPN.
Money, stats, even an upcoming Disney movie about his life… all he needs now is a ring.
Now that you’ve read all about the brand new Giannis Antetokounmpo contract, check out the most valuable sports teams of 2020 (according to Forbes).
