Giannis Says He Was Motivated to Win NBA Cup to Help Bucks 2-Way Player Buy House

Beyond the bragging rights that come with winning the NBA Cup, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo had another motivation to help his team beat the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Antetokounmpo said he made a promise to Liam Robbins, who is playing on a two-way contract, that the Bucks would win the NBA Cup and get the prize money that comes with it to allow Robbins to purchase a house he wanted in Iowa.

Robbins went undrafted out of Vanderbilt in 2023. He was set to play for the Birmingham Squadron in the G League last season, but he suffered a stress reaction in his right leg with the New Orleans Pelicans during the preseason that prevented him from playing in a game.

The Bucks signed Robbins as a free agent in August and converted his deal to a two-way contract on Oct. 21. The move allows him to play in up to 50 regular-season games with the main club, as well as play for the Wisconsin Herd in the G League.

Robbins was born in Davenport, Iowa, and attended Assumption High School in the city before reclassifying and transferring to Sunrise Christian Academy. He played college basketball at Drake, Minnesota and Vanderbilt before making it to the NBA.

Two-way contract values are worth 50 percent of the rookie minimum salary, pro-rated based on the signing date. Since Robbins signed before the start of the 2024-25 season, he will earn the full $578,577.

The Bucks' 97-81 victory on Tuesday night earned Robbins nearly as much money for one game as he will earn all season. Players on the winning team receive a prize payout of $514,971.

Antetokounmpo had an excellent performance in what has been a fantastic season for the two-time MVP. He recorded a triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists against a Thunder defense that has been the best unit in the NBA.

The Bucks made it through the tournament with a perfect 7-0 record. Robbins has played in five games this season, with his most recent appearance coming on Dec. 4 against the Atlanta Hawks.