The Milwaukee Bucks emerged victorious in the second Emirates NBA Cup, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 in the final to claim the title. Each player received a $500,000 reward for the win, a sum that could be life-changing for some of the players. Damian Lillard, who boasts one of the NBA’s richest contracts, shared before the final that he intended to use his prize money to support the Bucks’ training staff.
“I’ve been in the league for a long time, so I’m not just going to blow the money. I’ll probably direct it toward the support staff, our training staff—the people who work tirelessly every day while we get to go home and rest,” he explained.
Lillard’s gesture is commendable, as he plans to provide a meaningful gift to the Bucks’ staff, offering them a potential cash bonus just ahead of Christmas. With a career earnings of $328.2 million and a contract worth $112.5 million with the Bucks through 2027, Lillard has the financial freedom to share the $500K and uplift those behind the scenes, rather than keeping it for himself.
The $500,000 prize holds significant value for less-established players, particularly those on two-way contracts, as it offers them a substantial boost early in their careers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed that one of his motivations for winning the NBA Cup was to ensure that Bucks two-way player Liam Robbins could use the prize money to buy a home in Iowa. Giannis emphasized the importance of the prize and how it impacted the team.
“Some of my teammates received life-changing money,” he said. “We joked about Liam Robbins, our two-way guy. I promised him after the first Cup game, ‘We’re going to win and get you a house in Iowa.’ After every game, I’d remind him, ‘One step closer to your house!'”
Reflecting on the victory, Giannis added, “After the game, I saw the smiles on their faces. The money doesn’t matter to me, but I understand it’s life-changing for others. I’m happy we could offer this to the players, coaching staff, and everyone who helped us win. This is a special moment for our team.”
The $500,000 prize was designed to motivate players to compete fiercely, and for those on rookie contracts or two-way deals, the bonus is a significant financial boost on top of their salaries.
Taurean Prince is the only player to have already earned a million dollars through NBA Cup prize money, having won $500,000 last season as a member of the Lakers.
While Giannis, who has earned $283.3 million over his career and is owed $175.3 million through 2028, may not feel the same urgency about the $500,000 as others, he recognized its value for his less-established teammates and led the charge to ensure they received their well-deserved rewards.
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