Giannis signs richest deal in NBA history

The 26-year-old forward announced the deaL on Twitter.

“This is my home, this is my city,” he posted. “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.”

It marks the latest chapter in the rise of the man known as the ‘Greek Freak’, who was born in Athens to Nigerian immigrants and once earned money hawking watches, bags and sunglasses as a street vendor.

The deal ends months of speculation about Antetokounmpo’s future. Most of the talk centred around whether Antetokounmpo would opt to enter free agency following hints in the offseason that he wanted to be paired with another superstar.

With an average annual value of $45.6 million, it is the largest contract in NBA history, according to The Athletic.

Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook signed a five-year, $206.8 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2018, with an annual average salary of $41.4 million (per Spotrac). Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry signed a five-year, $201.2 million extension in 2017.

Antetokounmpo’s agent, Alex Saratsis, confirmed the details of the contract with ESPN. It includes an opt-out after the fourth year.

Antetokounmpo won Defensive Player of the Year honours along with his second straight MVP award in 2019-20. He posted career highs in scoring (29.5) and rebounding (11.4) and led the Bucks (56-17) to the best record in the Eastern Conference.

The four-time All-Star has career averages of 20.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals in 528 games (463 starts) with the Bucks. He was Milwaukee’s first-round pick (15th overall) in 2013.

The delayed 2020-21 NBA campaign, which has been reduced to 72 regular-season games because of the coronavirus pandemic, is set to begin on December 22.

REUTERS