Why did Giannis Antetokounmpo sign $186 3-year deal instead of waiting?

On Oct. 23, Giannis Antetokounmpo signed a three-year contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks worth $186 million. Giannis' extension has a player option for the final year, worth $63.4 million. The duration of his new extension will see him remain with the Bucks throughout Damian Lillard's current deal.

Earlier this summer, Giannis noted how he would wait before signing a contract extension. The two-time MVP wanted to ensure everybody within the Bucks franchise was pulling in the same direction.

"Next summer it would make more sense for both parties. Even then, I don't know," Antetokounmpo told the New York Times in August. "I would not be the best version of myself if I don't know that everybody's on the same page, everybody's going for a championship, everybody's going to sacrifice time away from their family like I do.

"And if I don't feel that, I'm not signing."

However, since then, Milwaukee has acquired Lillard, and now, the franchise is expected to be a legitimate contender for an NBA championship in the coming years. By signing a contract extension now, Giannis Antetokounmpo has removed any doubt about his future with Milwaukee, allowing his teammates to remain solely focused on challenging for the Larry O'Brien trophy.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard will form a fearsome partnership

The tandem of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard is a frightening concept for NBA defenses around the league. The pick-and-roll between the two superstars is expected to be devastating, with very few rosters capable of successfully defending it throughout a 48-minute contest.

Giannis is a physical player who can bully his way to the rim. Lillard is one of the best guards in the league and has a history of knocking down big-time shots with the game on the line. Both players are hungry for a championship and see each other as their best chance at success.

Lillard also aims to become a leader for the Bucks, a role he played throughout his tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers.

"The action part of it is how you truly establish respect," Lillard said in a recent interview (via Bally Sports). "Once you get that type of respect, on top of who they respect me as a player ... Then you slowly move into that, I guess, more verbal type of leadership role.

"And I thnk I have slowly started that process ... It'll be natural, I'll never be the guy that just comes in like 'I'm a leader.'"

Giannis and Lillard will be a dynamic duo on the offensive end. Containing them will be a difficult task. Especially with Khris Middleton spacing the floor. As such, Giannis is clearly all-in with the Bucks as he continues to chase his second championship and looks to cement his legacy as one of the best players in the league's history.