As reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Milwaukee Bucks agreed a four-year maximum contract extension with star guard Jrue Holiday worth up to $160m – a move tying up their core trio up for multiple seasons, hoping to finally get over the hump in the postseason.
Holiday rewarded with lucrative max extension
Holiday: Averaging 17 points on a career-high 50.9 FG%, alongside 5.4 assists and 4.6 rebs this term
As his agent Jason Glushon told The Athletic, Jrue Holiday – who had a season-high 33 points against the Sacramento Kings overnight – agreed a four-year max extension worth up to $160m.
The specifics of his incentive-based additional money (around $25m) remain undisclosed, though there is a player option providing flexibility in Year 4 of the deal and $135m guaranteed.
Since being traded back in November, the 2013 All-Star (2018, 2019 All-Defensive teams) has embraced new surroundings on a title-contending team and earned a big extension.
Quickly familarising himself with the roster, coaching staff and Bucks front office, the 30-year-old wanted to commit toward years of competing for championships.
He is their third-leading scorer, averaging 17 points and 5.4 assists per game this term – while being second leaguewide in steals (1.8), only behind Miami’s Jimmy Butler (2.0).
Having spent seven seasons in New Orleans, he only had one playoff run past the first round – 2017-18, losing in five games to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors.
Paying big – The bill for Bucks’ star trio
2021-22: $105m
2022-23: $113m
2023-24: $121m
After watching his former All-Star teammate Anthony Davis thrive in LA alongside LeBron James over the past two years, Holiday’s selflessness needed to be channelled the right way.
Also read: Giannis’ 47-point effort exposes Portland’s ever-present issues
By establishing himself as a key contributor immediately in Milwaukee alongside reigning two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, he’s doing precisely that.
The Bucks are committing serious money, but after seeing the point guard settle seamlessly, it’s a calculated risk. On why this deal makes sense for Holiday, The Athletic’s Bucks beat writer Eric Nehm said it best for a player who has a golden opportunity in the Eastern Conference:
“This represents the best of both worlds, he’s never played for a better team during his 12-year career and staying in Milwaukee represents his best chance at winning a championship, while also maximising his career earnings.
With a guaranteed core for the next two (possibly three) seasons, the Bucks will continue to contend in the East.”
Picture source: Getty Images
