Giannis Antetokounmpo: What his extension means for Bucks’ longevity

How Jrue Holiday could save the day for the Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks have certainly put their eggs in the proverbial Jrue Holiday basket after dealing away three first round picks and agreeing to two pick swaps to land the veteran guard.

With that said, Holiday is certainly an upgrade on the Bucks’ former point guard, Eric Bledsoe. Holiday’s well-rounded abilities on both sides of the ball gives them a difference maker that will sorely be needed come playoff time, which has been the biggest blight on Bledsoe’s career and time in Milwaukee.

Of course, the biggest question for the Bucks, especially after Antetokounmpo has signed his extension, is whether Holiday will follow suit. That’s a very pertinent question as he holds a $26.2 million player option for next season. However, Holiday is eligible for an extension starting in February and as one anonymous executive told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, and extension for the 11-year guard may be penciled in:

"“Jrue will get a max extension now,” as one of the Eastern Conference executives told HoopsHype."

The fact that Holiday has embraced Milwaukee with open arms a month into his time with the Bucks certainly shows his willingness to stay long-term, especially around a championship-caliber core.

There is still risk in the Holiday trade, even with the security of having Antetokounmpo under contract until 2026. Until Holiday puts pen to paper when it comes to a possible extension, that risk will exist. But with Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee long-term, the chances that Holiday stays alongside the two-time MVP got a lot higher.