Milwaukee Bucks: Weighing the ripple effects of Jrue Holiday’s extension

The long-term impact of Jrue Holiday’s extension with the Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton have both signed massive extensions with the Bucks in the past two seasons, and now Jrue Holiday rounds out that trio.

With their top players locked in for the foreseeable future, the Bucks are in a great place moving forward. Having these three players on the roster undoubtedly solidifies Milwaukee’s contending status over the next several years, giving them a legitimate shot to bring home their first NBA championship in decades. Antetokounmpo (26), Middleton (29), and Holiday (30) all have plenty left in the tank, assuring the Bucks will continue to be in the championship conversation year after year.

Financially, the Bucks will have to pay a hefty price for their trio over the next several years, including $105 million next year, $113 million for the 2022-23 season, and a whopping $121 million during the 2023-24 campaign. Given what these three bring to the table, they are unquestionably willing to make that work.

Furthermore, this could be an impactful signing for future free agent targets. Given their small market status, Milwaukee cannot pitch the bright lights or the stellar weather of places like Los Angeles, putting them at a massive disadvantage when it comes to luring in free agents. However, playing alongside a star-studded trio of Holiday, Antetokounmpo, and Middleton, along with the chance to contend for a championship over the next several years, could very well be enticing.

That was the case for big man Bobby Portis this offseason, who discussed how joining a winning culture was his top priority in free agency. His willingness to take a pay cut for the right situation made him an easy choice for the Bucks, and he has been phenomenal off the bench this year. Hopefully, Milwaukee’s trio can help bring more talent like Portis into the fold through the market for years to come.

Only time will tell what the future holds, but this is without question a massive win for the Bucks. Hopefully, Holiday can be another piece to the puzzle that helps bring the Larry O’Brien trophy back to Milwaukee for the first time since 1971.