Giannis Antetokounmpo: How does new deal impact Jrue Holiday’s future?

The Milwaukee Bucks locked up Giannis Antetokounmpo with a supermax extension, but how does it impact Jrue Holiday’s future?

Giannis Antetokounmpo silenced all speculation involving his future when he signed a five-year extension worth a historic $228 million to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks. 

With the two-time MVP secured for the foreseeable future, the next big question mark for the franchise is Jrue Holiday, whom they acquired this offseason through trade. Holiday, 30, can enter free agency after this season if he declines his $26.2 player option for the 2021-22 season, which seems likely.

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After the Giannis Antetokounmpo extension, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto polled a group of eight executives on their thoughts regarding Jrue’s future with the Bucks. The results were relatively clear that Holiday is going to be in the market for a hefty payday on his next deal:

"Now, entering the final year of his contract, the executives polled agree that Holiday has all the leverage going into any extension negotiations this season and heading into the offseason if he becomes a free agent.“Jrue will get a max extension now,” as one of the Eastern Conference executives told HoopsHype."

Any extension talks are currently on hold as Holiday is not eligible for a four-year maximum deal worth $135 million until February of 2021. While speculating about his future might seem pointless at this moment, it is something to monitor, especially considering the substantial haul the Milwaukee traded to acquire him.

Jrue Holiday has previously expressed interest in remaining with the Milwaukee Bucks long-term.

Having dished out three first round draft picks in addition to two future pick swaps, the Bucks undoubtedly made a risky one for a player that can become a free agent after just one season. However, Holiday has not ruled out playing in Milwaukee for the long haul.

Shortly after being acquired by Milwaukee, Holiday appeared on the ‘Posted Up’ podcast with Yahoo! Sport’s Chris Haynes to discuss all things Bucks related. One of the more prominent talks of discussion was the guard’s looming future in Milwaukee after this season:

"Haynes: Could you see a future in Milwaukee beyond this year? Is that something you’re open to or do you want to take the wait and see approach?Jrue: We’re for sure open to it. Again, I’m about winning, and this franchise over the past few years, they have been doing a very good job of that. Man, I’m really trying to win, to be completely honest. I’m trying to put banners up there, put a ring on my finger, and I’m trying to have fun doing it. This really seems like it could be the place for that."

Holiday reaffirmed that desire to stay in Milwaukee long-term to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Jim Owczarski ($$), especially in light of Antetokounmpo signing his supermax extension earlier this week.

With Milwaukee’s core of Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and now Antetokoumpo staying put for the next several years, Holiday could certainly be next. If the one-time All-Star can put together a strong campaign with the Bucks, a lucrative extension should absolutely be on the table.