The Milwaukee Bucks and AJ Green are attempting to come to terms on an extension after the wing became eligible earlier this summer. There has been little chatter on what the current financials may look like, but the Bucks should look to get Green on a deal similar to what the Cleveland Cavaliers just gave Sam Merrill, who inked a four-year extension worth $38 million.
Bucks could take a page out of Cleveland's book
Last season's stats between Merrill and Green are similar. Merrill averaged 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 37.2 percent from deep. Green was at 7.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 42.7 percent from distance. Both are sharpshooting specialists who can play with anyone on the roster, making them incredibly valuable.
Sam Merrill got his money, and it would make plenty of sense for AJ Green to get something similar after having the best year of his young career.
Green isn't a free agent, so it isn't absolutely essential that the Milwaukee Bucks lock him up before the upcoming NBA season, but it would certainly be nice. The wing showed last season that he can play a significant role on this team, and that should only increase next year. In fact, there's a good chance he might even take a leap into the starting lineup to provide elite floor spacing.
An annual salary of $9.5 million would be quite the raise for Green, who started his career with the Bucks as an undrafted two-way player just looking to make the roster. In fact, if Green continues his current trajectory, it could end up being a bargain. At 25, he's young and still just getting started after seeing prominent minutes for the first time by clawing his way into the rotation.
If Green and the Milwaukee Bucks cannot come to terms on a deal, the wing could elect to play out next season by betting on himself. It could be risky, but if Green continues his upward trajectory from last season, there's no doubt that he could earn himself a bigger deal than what Merrill just signed earlier this summer.
In an offseason that has been completely focused on putting youth around Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks extending AJ Green fits perfectly in line. Now, time will tell if they can get it done.
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