MILWAUKEE — Word that Giannis Antetokounmpo is signing a 3-year, $186 million extension to stay with the Bucks is a terrific boost for the organization as they get ready to open the NBA season.

A cloud is removed.

Every road game, Giannis and the Bucks would have been peppered with questions about his future and which teams might lure him out of Milwaukee. Now, that has been defused.

Jon Horst has been brilliant in his job as Bucks General Manager. His trade for Damian Lillard has already reaped dividends. Lillard’s arrival helped convince Giannis to stay and eliminated concerns about the Bucks’ commitment to a title.

The goal is at least one more NBA title. New Head Coach Adrian Griffin now has the peace of mind that Giannis will be with the Bucks for the next few years. Monday’s news about an extension should put a spring in the step of the Bucks organization and all of their fans in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the world.