Giannis Antetokounmpo has committed to the Bucks and Aaron Rodgers is thrilled for the future of the team.
Yesterday, Giannis Antetokounmpo took to Twitter to announce that he was signing a five-year supermax extension with the Milwaukee Bucks, the only NBA team he’d ever played for. This announcement shut down months of hand-wringing and rumor-mongering about his potential desire to play elsewhere. The two-time MVP had suffered through disappointing playoff losses in the last two seasons. If he had declined to sign this extension it would have essentially forced the Bucks to explore a trade rather than risk losing him for nothing.
The outlines of this scenario have been clear since the end of the season and hungry teams like the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors had all been circling. Removing that pressure is cause for celebration across Wisconsin and one huge Bucks fan, in particular, is celebrating.
Yesterday, on The Pat McAfee show, Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers shared how excited he was about the news (h/t NBA Reddit).
“It’s a big signing for us, we’re pretty ecstatic. Hopefully, we can keep rolling for the next five years. We got the man back and he’s still 26.”
Aaron Rodgers and Giannis Antetokounmpo have a lot in common
Rodgers isn’t just a Bucks’ fan, he’s also a co-owner of the team. In 2017, he negotiated directly with owner Wes Edens to acquire a one percent share of the team’s ownership. Rodgers is enjoying a sparkling season of his own, leading the Packers to a 10-3 record. The team’s success and his individual excellence — 39 touchdowns to just four interceptions — have him in strong position to win his third MVP award.
Rodgers probably understands the unique pressures and rewards of leading a small market team to excellence as well as anyone. He’s spent his entire career with the Packers and delivered a Super Bowl win in 2011.