Giannis Antetokounmpo is staying with the Milwaukee Bucks on a four-year, $100 million contract extension, according to The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski. This is impressive work by the Bucks, as the reported agreement is less than a maximum contract. It’s also $6 million less than the Portland Trail Blazers’ deal with guard C.J. McCollum. It is expected to be made official on Tuesday.
Antetokounmpo was otherwise set to be a restricted free agent next summer. By agreeing to this deal, he is taking a bit of a risk — it is possible that maximum salaries could be higher by then, under a new collective bargaining agreement. Taking this offer now, though, guards against injury and protects Antetokounmpo in case his stock falls in his fourth season.
There is no indication, however, that Antetokounmpo is about to stagnate. He has improved significantly as Milwaukee has given him more responsibility, and he has the tools to be a franchise player. This is a 6-foot-11 point forward who can get from the 3-point line to the basket with just two of his long strides. It’s surprising that he took less than the max.
Last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 16.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists with a 56.6 percent true shooting percentage. His jump shot is a work in progress, but he is already extremely good for a 21-year-old, and he has the potential to be truly great on both ends. The Bucks are making a big, but reasonable bet on that happening.
Courtesy: CBS Sports
