AJ Green was eligible for a contract extension this offseason, and the Milwaukee Bucks wanted to get it done before the season due to a looming breakout. While Green took a leap last season, the wing could take things a step further this season with a larger role looming, costing the Bucks even more money in the future. Fortunately for them, they don't have to worry about the financials.
Getting it done before the NBA regular season felt crucial, and they have now done it.
Bucks extend AJ Green, lock down essential sharpshooting wing
It's official: AJ Green has agreed to a four-year, $38 million extension with the Bucks, per ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania. After it seemed like Green might bet on himself and enter the new season with one year left on his deal, the wing has silenced that speculation. He wants to be a Buck, and the Bucks want him.
This is a terrific deal for Green. Earlier in the offseason, this writer predicted that Green would earn a deal similar to what former Buck Sam Merrill got from the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer. Merrill got a four-year deal worth $38 million. Green surpassed that, but rightfully so. While they are both lethal perimeter shooters, Green is a much better defender.
This could end up being a steal of a deal. During the first three years of his career, Green has come off the bench, serving as a needed piece on both ends. Yet, he has only averaged 16 minutes per game in this span. This season, it wouldn't be surprising if he blows that number out of the water, especially as all signs point to him starting next to Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner, and the others.
Two-way players are a hot commodity in today's NBA. If you can play on both sides of the ball, you will get a paycheck. Green could have been due for much more next summer, as mentioned, but the team took care of him and won't have to worry about it now. That's a win on their end.
Of course, that's not to say that this isn't a win for AJ Green, either.
Through his first three years, Green's career earnings totaled $6.3 million. Now, he's going to make more than that in the first season of his new contract. Given Milwaukee's track record of finding and developing young talent in the Giannis Antetokounmpo era, Green is a rarity. He went from being an undrafted two-way player to a stud earning a significant raise. He's a clear-cut success story.
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