So many reasons have been cited with regard to the prospect of Giannis Antetokounmpo deciding to leave the Milwaukee Bucks in the not-so-distant future. At the end of the day, the seven-time All-Star has made it abundantly clear that his primary goal is winning another championship, and that he won’t hesitate to jump ship if he feels he can no longer attain this with the Bucks.
At this point, however, a new motivation appears to have emerged for Giannis — at least according to the rumor mill. This reportedly comes in the form of five-time All-Defense point guard Jrue Holiday.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Follow Jrue Holiday Out of Milwaukee Bucks
NBA guru Bobby Marks of ESPN recently guested on SiriusXM NBA Radio, and the renowned front office insider provided his own personal opinion on Giannis’ situation in Milwaukee. Marks pointed out Holiday’s key role in whatever future Antetokounmpo will have with the organization:
“I would be concerned based on what happens with Jrue Holiday,” Marks said (h/t Jack Murray of Bleacher Report). “I think that’s going to be the x-factor and what I am going to keep an eye on. Holiday is extension eligible February 22nd and potentially could be a free agent next year. What does Milwaukee do with him? If they lose him, they are in big trouble.”
Will Milwaukee Bucks Keep Jrue Holiday?
The Bucks went ahead and re-signed two key players this offseason in Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez. Their contract extensions cost Milwaukee a combined $150 million, which is a clear indication of how they intend to move forward with the same core for the years to come.
As Marks pointed out, Holiday will be eligible for his extension in February, which means that Milwaukee will need to pay him some big bucks if they want to keep him on the team. This season, the two-time All-Star will pocket $36.9 million. He has a player option worth $39.4 million for 2024-25, which he can opt not to pick up in order to test the waters of free agency. It would not be a complete shock if Holiday seeks an equally lucrative long-term deal — be it from Milwaukee or with another team.
For their part, however, the Bucks better make sure that they are able to retain the services of their star point guard. Otherwise, this could lead to catastrophic consequences on the Giannis Antetokounmpo front.
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