Raptors fans react to Antetokounmpo signing extension with Bucks

December 15, 2020 - 2:51pm

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

For Toronto Raptors fans on Tuesday, it was the news they never wanted to hear.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has decided to stay with the Milwakuee Bucks, signing a five-year extension reportedly worth $228.2 million. The Super Max contract is the largest in NBA history.

The extension also means that Antetokounmpo will no longer hit the free agent market in 2021, dashing the hopes and dreams of Raptors fans who imagined the all-star possibly making the move to Toronto.

On social media after Tuesday’s announcement, there was a mix of emotions from Raptors fans including disappointment, frustration and also optimism about other moves the Raptors could make in next year’s free agent market.

The Raptors when Giannis decided to sign with the Bucks pic.twitter.com/nxCdSsKzq8

— Kevin Sacdalan (@KevSacdalan) December 15, 2020

@Raptors well…. what now?

— Doug Seaman (@Doug_Seaman) December 15, 2020

#Raptors fans: https://t.co/sTvXAEImn3 pic.twitter.com/WrOVKJqmXZ

— Danny Ryan (@TheRealestDRyan) December 15, 2020

i respect giannis's decision to not come to toronto until construction at union station is done in 2025

— alex (@steven_lebron) December 15, 2020

I’m suing Giannis for the $140 I spent on a custom Raptors jersey with his name and number on it

— Noah Brodeur (@BrodeurNoah) December 15, 2020

My fellow Raptors fans, we will be alright man, still got a great core in tact plus we probably extend OG now and Lowry possibly stays now on a friendly deal

— BC (@DaManBC) December 15, 2020

Raptors fans need to chill, y'all are failing to realize that Masai has Plan B-Z ready to go.#NBATwitter #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/deUFHesUg2

— Matt (@Swainger_Danger) December 15, 2020

Raptors fans and Mavs fans trying to explain why they didn’t need Giannis anyway pic.twitter.com/1ZzlTtAX0I

— NotKingJames (@NotKingJamess) December 15, 2020

am i a fool for believing that he would pass up 228 Million dollars to play for the raptors? maybe. all i feel is pain. pic.twitter.com/3mb09piRvG

— sarah (@savvyssarah) December 15, 2020

Plan B… pic.twitter.com/kgC4iTPwsH

— Aren Bergstrom (@ArenBergstrom) December 15, 2020

Very sad day for us Raptors fans. A dream came to an end before it even had a chance to begin.

— shilajen (@shilajen) December 15, 2020

Very excited for the Raptors to sign *checks list* Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan in 2021

— Michael Kolberg (@mikeykolberg) December 15, 2020

Me right now seeing my Raptors dreams crushed pic.twitter.com/rskYgo62O5

— LUCCI (@drewdelucci) December 15, 2020

On the one hand it's disappointing knowing the Raptors won't sign Giannis, but on the other it's nice knowing Malachi Flynn is basically Steph Curry with the ability to play defense

— Chris Roberts (@ChrisRoberts_7) December 15, 2020

I’m starting the Luka to Toronto bandwagon. It’ll never happen but a man can dream damnit. #WeTheNorth #Raptors #Rtz

— Mike (@AngryRedRaptor) December 15, 2020

The last post from one of the most anticipated countdowns for @Raptors fans. https://t.co/inrrgNpjTp

— Andrew Livingstone (@Andrew_Livi) December 15, 2020

It's a 5yr deal, not a 5 yr commitment to MIL. Or it's a CLE Lebron thing before he hits the market again in 5, win a chip or 2 and leave the ppl happy before taking your talents to wherever. Contracts don't = Residence anymore, he probably just wants to secure the supermax $ 1st

— eoghanisowen (@eoghanisowen) December 15, 2020

As a Raptors fan, I'm disappointed, but for the league and for the fans of the @Bucks I'm really thrilled. Congrats to @Giannis_An34 for giving Milwaukee some small market love in a league where few players ever do.

— Martin E (@hoser33) December 15, 2020

The most successful times in Raptors franchise history came through drafting well, developing, and making smart trades.

They never pulled names through free agency. That’s okay.

— Kevin (@NBADraftAddict) December 15, 2020

He just guarantees his money. Doesnt mean he won't demand a trade in a year or two when they still haven't reached or won a championship.

— Gary Ess (@G_Semerdjian) December 15, 2020

As much as I was holding on to faint hopes of the Raptors signing Giannis next year, it's so much better for the league that he's staying in Milwaukee.

He earns even more respect from me for that decision as well.

— Bryan Jones (@bryanjj0nes) December 15, 2020

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