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'This is a big moment': Giannis Antetokounmpo will stay with Milwaukee Bucks for 5 more years

By: CBS 58 Sports
Posted: Dec 15, 2020 12:23 PM CDT | Updated: Dec 15, 2020 5:26 PM CDT

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo says he will officially stay in Milwaukee for another five years. The MVP made the announcement on Twitter Tuesday, Dec. 15.

Antetokounmpo has agreed to sign a five-year, $228 million supermax extension with the Bucks.

The 26-year-old Antetokounmpo had until Monday to sign the Bucks’ supermax extension offer. Antetokounmpo otherwise could have become a free agent after the upcoming season.

His decision means the Bucks will hang on to their biggest superstar since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The 15th overall selection in the 2013 draft, Giannis has blossomed into a superstar in Milwaukee. He's won the league's MVP award in back-to-back seasons and has been chosen as an All-Star in four straight seasons. He was also named NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2020.

Antetokounmpo's current deal, a $100 million extension signed in September 2016, expires after this season.

Giannis is only the third player in league history to win multiple MVP awards by age 25. Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James are the others.

“This is a big moment for me and my family and I want to thank the Bucks organization for believing in us,” said Antetokounmpo. “You took a chance on us eight years ago and now putting my signature on a contract like this is unreal – but it’s all because of hard work. This is my home and I’m going to continue working hard and do my best to make the Bucks, our fans and the city proud. Let’s have fun, win and make these years count.”

“Giannis is a once in a generation player and we are beyond excited for him to remain with the Bucks,” said Bucks Co-Owners Marc Lasry, Wes Edens and Jamie Dinan. “Giannis positively impacts everyone around him on and off the court and he brings a staggering dedication to winning and leadership to our organization. His work ethic and desire to be the best epitomize what the Bucks stand for and what our future holds. We thank Giannis and his family for their long-term commitment to Milwaukee and we look forward to many years of success. This is a momentous day for the Bucks, our fans and the state of Wisconsin.”

“Giannis’ NBA career began as an 18-year old from the Sepolia neighborhood north of Athens, Greece,” Bucks General Manager Jon Horst said. “Through hard work, determination and an unequaled desire to be the best, Giannis has developed into a relentlessly driven, 26-year old, two-time Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year and four-time All-Star for the Milwaukee Bucks. He’s an incredible teammate, a kind and caring person, an affable member of the Milwaukee community, and the leader of our team who sets the tone for our organization. We are thrilled for Giannis and his family and are tremendously proud to sign him to this well-deserved contract extension.”

Selected by the Bucks with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Antetokounmpo has played in 528 games with Milwaukee, making 463 starts, and ranks in the top 10 of nearly every statistical category in franchise history. For his career, he holds averages of 20.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 52.6% from the field. He’s also logged a franchise record 18 triple-doubles.

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