The Toronto Raptors will have to move on to Plan B next offseason, as Giannis Antetokounmpo is staying put.
The two-time MVP has signed a five-year contract to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks, ending speculation that he would leave the small market team as a free agent after the 2020-21 season.
“This is my home, this is my city,” Giannis announced on social media. “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.”
This is my home, this is my city.. 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. 🤎🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/895tCBE9RK
— Giannis Ugo Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) December 15, 2020
Antetokounmpo’s deal is a five-year, $228.2 million supermax extension, according to a report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania, with an opt-out clause in 2025.
Breaking: Giannis Antetokounmpo says he is signing a contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks. The two-time MVP will sign a five-year, $228.2 million supermax extension with the franchise, the largest deal in NBA history, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 15, 2020
It was no secret that the Raptors were planning to be in hot pursuit of Giannis, a player Masai Ujiri has coveted since his draft year, if he reached free agency. The Raptors included proof of that in a recent documentary that aired on TSN last week.
Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster, trying to find a way to draft Giannis Antetokounmpo. It seemingly almost happened. 😳
via @Bell's Open Gym documentary, The Bubble. pic.twitter.com/ENWHb4j3vr
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 10, 2020
The pair have close ties, which many believed could give Toronto an edge in free agency.
Although their top target is now off the board, the Raptors are still set up well to make a big splash in free agency, and other big-name players will likely be available. But there was no bigger star than Giannis, who will continue to call Milwaukee home.