Los Angeles (AFP)
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo put an end to speculation about his future by claiming on Twitter on Thursday that he accepted a new five-year contract with the franchise.
“This is my home, this is my city,” said the MVP of the last two regular NBA seasons, who could have been contract free next year.
"I am blessed to be able to be a part of the Milwaukee Bucks for the next five years. Let's make those years count. The show goes on, let's go."
The American television channel ESPN has revealed that the renewal of its contract will cost the Bucks $ 228 million.
The agreement includes an option for a possible departure after four years.
The 26-year-old strong winger has dominated the NBA in recent seasons, winning this year's MVP title as well as best defenseman, averaging 29.5 points and 13.6 rebounds per game.
Eliminated in the Eastern Conference final in 2019 by Toronto and then in the conference semi-final by Miami in 2020, Milwaukee fails to reach the finals, which has sparked rumors about the superstar's future.
They sent him to the Golden State Warriors or the Los Angeles Lakers, but Antetokounmpo regularly reiterated his desire to stay with the Bucks, as long as they were able to fight for the title.
“I don't see why I shouldn't be in Milwaukee for the next fifteen years,” he said in September.
Antetokounmpo also explained that being named best player in the NBA twice in a row did not constitute a consolation compared to the failures in the play-offs.
"I'm happy with these trophies, but I want more," he said after being named MVP.
“I want to be champion,” he added.
© 2020 AFP