NBA News and Notes: Antetokounmpo Staying With Bucks

With preseason games in full swing, the NBA’s regular season is getting ready to commence after it feels like last season just ended. While most of the news circled around the flurry of offseason movement over the last month, there have still been some major stories over the last week as teams prepare for the season to start. Here are some of the biggest stories from around the league.
Giannis Signs Super-Max Extension
On Tuesday, the Milwaukee Bucks officially announced that they had signed the “Greek Freak,” Giannis Antetokounmpo, to a super-max extension. The deal will be for five years and a staggering $228.2 million. That makes the deal the largest in NBA history.
Antetokounmpo, who is still just 26 years old and is already a two-time MVP, will now remain with the organization through the 2025-26 season. There was some speculation earlier in the offseason that he might have become hesitant to sign an extension, so this announcement should allow Bucks fans to breathe a sigh of relief.
Last year, in 63 games, he averaged 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, one steal and one block while shooting 55.3% from the field.
Now, Milwaukee will focus on building a championship roster around him. This season, the lineup is projected to be Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, Donte DiVincenzo, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez.
The Bucks acquired Holiday in a trade this offseason and also signed depth in players like D.J. Augustin, Bobby Portis and Bryn Forbes.
The Bucks currently have the second-best odds to win the NBA championship at +550 and are +240 to win the Eastern Conference. Antetokounmpo is +480 to win the regular-season MVP for the third straight season.
Hayward Breaks Finger, Shouldn’t Miss Much Time
In the Charlotte Hornets’ preseason game against the Raptors on Monday, forward Gordon Hayward suffered a broken pinky finger. While he shouldn’t miss too much time, this is a bit of an auspicious start to Hayward’s tenure with the Hornets after being riddled with injuries in Boston.
Last year, with the Celtics, Hayward played in 52 games, averaging 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists. He opted out of his contract with Boston following the season and ultimately signed with Charlotte.
The Hornets are in a bit of a rebuilding phase but should be optimistic with the addition of Hayward and draft pick LaMelo Ball. Charlotte is currently +10000 to win the Eastern Conference but only +160 to make the playoffs.
Could Sixers Trade Simmons For Harden?
On Thursday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Philadelphia 76ers have been at least willing to entertain the idea of trading Ben Simmons in a deal with the Houston Rockets for James Harden.
While a deal does not seem imminent, this would be a huge breakthrough in negotiations, as the Rockets would obviously want something significant in return for Harden. It is also worth noting that the 76ers’ new general manager is Daryl Morey, who was the Rockets’ general manager as recent as last year.
Philadelphia is currently looking to get over the hump with its collection of stars. The 76ers are currently +2200 to win the NBA championship this year and +700 to win the East. An acquisition of Harden would obviously improve those odds.
Last season, Harden averaged 34.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game. Simmons averaged 16.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and eight assists per game.