Giannis Antetokounmpo signs biggest deal in NBA history

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the first quarter against the Miami Heat.Image source, Getty Images

National Basketball Association (NBA) player Giannis Antetokounmpo has signed a contract extension worth a reported $228.2 million (£170.1m) - that's the richest deal in NBA history.

The 26-year-old, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, has also been named the NBA's most valuable player twice.

Giannis said on social media that he was "blessed" that the extension means he can be a part of the Bucks' team for the next five years.

He said: "Let's make these years count - the show goes on, let's get it."

Who is Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Image source, Getty Images

Giannis Antetokounmpo was born in Athens, Greece in December 1994. His parents were from Nigeria.

When he was a teenager he'd have to wait for his brother, Thanasis, to sub out before he could play basketball because they shared one pair of trainers.

He used to earn money by selling watches, bags and sunglasses on the streets.

His career began when he was spotted playing with his brother by Spiros Velliniatis, a basketball talent scout and coach.

He was not able to travel to the United States to play basketball until May 2013, when he was given a passport and citizenship by the Greek government. He was then selected to play for Milwaukee Bucks.

Giannis' success
  • Giannis was named the NBA's 'Most Valuable Player' (MVP) in September for the second season in a row.

  • He became only the third player, after Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon, to earn the MVP and 'Defensive Player of the Year' award in the same season.

  • He was the only player in the NBA last season to rank inside the top 15 in both scoring and rebounding.