There were many questions we were hoping to get answered heading into the Milwaukee Bucks' media day. One of those looming questions was about AJ Green and where everything sits regarding his contract extension. The answer we received to that question probably isn't what Bucks fans were hoping to hear.
Unfortunately, Doc Rivers and Jon Horst continued to echo what has been said in previous statements. They have been communicating with AJ Green and his agent, Matt Boller, and their talks have been positive. There is mutual interest in a deal, and the Bucks are hoping to keep him in Milwaukee for a long time.
"We'd love to have AJ with us for a long time. We're working on [an extension]," Jon Horst said.
Questions go unanswered on AJ Green's future
That all sounds great, but the strange thing about this response is that Green has been eligible for an extension since July. If keeping Green is a priority for the franchise, why does it appear the two sides are no closer to a deal than they were when he became eligible? Rivers went on to reiterate that he believes AJ Green will have a big year this coming season.
If the plan is truly to use Green consistently this season, that could mean a significant jump in production. As great as that would be for the team and the fans, one potential downside could be a much steeper price to retain him, assuming he decides to play out his contract and become a free agent next summer. Shooters like Green are highly valued throughout the league. He will surely be highly coveted if he were to hit the market next offseason.
With the thought of potentially losing Green next summer for nothing, there has been speculation that AJ Green could be involved in a trade to upgrade the roster. The downside to that potential move is that Green is a perfect match for the team's superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is also one of the few success stories the front office has had recently in the development department.
With the potential logjam of guards on the roster, where Rivers plans to play AJ Green also remains an interesting question. Will they continue the three-guard lineups we saw in the playoffs last season, where Green effectively plays the small forward position in the starting lineup? Or will Green be placed in a bench role, which could be one of the reasons an extension hasn't happened yet?
No one knows exactly why an agreement hasn't taken place. With the lack of information regarding ongoing communication between the two parties, it appears that Milwaukee Bucks fans will continue to have more questions than answers about the young sharpshooter's future.