Giannis Antetokounmpo has signed a 5-year contract extension worth a reported $228.2m (£170.1m), the richest in NBA history, with the Milwaukee Bucks.
His agent confirmed that the total value which beats the mark of $228m (£169.9m) set by Houston Rockets guard James Harden in 2017.
“This is my home, this is my city,” said Antetokounmpo.
“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.”
Had the Greek forward Antetokounmpo not signed, he would have been eligible for free agency after the 2020-21 season.
His new contract however permits him to opt-out of the deal after four years.
Giannis helped the Bucks finish top of the Eastern Conference last season, with the best record in the NBA.
He was also named the MVP for the second successive season in September and also won the Defensive Player of the Year – becoming only the third player, after Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon, to earn both in the same season.
However, he could not power his team to the NBA finals after they were upset by the Miami Heat in the conference semi-finals during the play-offs.
Antetokounmpo’s average annual salary of $45.6m also surpasses the mark of Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook, who signed a five-year deal worth $206.8m with his former team the Oklahoma City Thunder, the equivalent of $41.4m per year.
He should do giveaway nah
Well congratulations to him.