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Milwaukee Bucks: 3 Keys to Re-signing Giannis Antetokounmpo

By Matt LeVene

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on March 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on March 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Everyone is waiting to see if Giannis Antetokounmpo signs his new deal. Here are 3 keys that will help the Milwaukee Bucks get him to do so.

As the NBA season approaches, the new-look Milwaukee Bucks have lofty expectations and title aspirations. All the attention throughout training camp and media day has circulated around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s expiring contract.

The back-to-back MVP’s deadline to sign the five-year super-max from Milwaukee is December 21st. Bucks fans all over are nervously awaiting his signature on the dotted line. The decision to re-sign may not be made until next offseason and may depend on the team’s success this season.

To help their chances of Giannis re-signing, GM Jon Horst and the Milwaukee Bucks’ front office shook things up this offseason and acquired many new players. Their new roster makeup is all-in for the Larry O’Brien trophy, and once again, they will certainly be one of the favorites.

With that being said, there are many variables that may come into play with this decision, so let’s go over three key factors to re-signing the Greek Freak.

Khris Middleton

The Milwaukee Bucks were a struggling franchise hard-pressed to find a team identity in the early 2010s, enter Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo. This tandem is one of the longest tenured duos in the league and has great chemistry. From all accounts, Middleton and Giannis are not only close on the court but pretty good friends off of it as well.

This relationship with Middleton is something that should play a key factor in Giannis’ looming decision. Khris “Khash” Middleton inked a five-year extension before last season, so his future is certain to be in Milwaukee. The two-time NBA All-Star is fresh off his most efficient season and plays a perfect Robin to Giannis’ Batman.

During the NBA media day circuit, Middleton was frequently asked about his co-stars’ upcoming decision, to which he responded professionally and indicated that he expressed his hope that Antetokounmpo stays in the 414 for many years to come.

What is most telling to me is what Middleton allegedly got Giannis for his birthday. He gifted the MVP a pen, which would presumably be used to sign his super-max extension. If Middleton and Giannis are as close as they say they are, gifting a pen should indicate Middleton has an inkling of what the decision will be.

Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s close relationship and chemistry on the court give the Bucks an inside track to re-signing the reigning MVP. The dynamic duo will look to bring Milwaukee its first title in 50 years this upcoming season.

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