By Adam Roberts – 4/5/2021
The Bucks are crafting their version of a Big Three with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and now Jrue Holiday. That was made clear with the news of a Holiday extension yesterday.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and The Athletic’s Shams Charania both reported on the new four-year, 160 million dollar deal which also includes a player option for the 2024-25 season. Notably on Twitter Holiday expressed excitement at the new deal, calling himself a “Buck for life”. ESPN broke down the investment the Bucks will be making in this new core, with the total salary for the Antetokounmpo-Holiday-Middleton combo 105 million next season, 113 million in 22-23, and 120 million likely in 23-24.
It’s safe to say the team has done its due diligence in investing around Giannis; now we’ll see if results follow as Milwaukee is still looking to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since the ’70s.
Currently Holiday is averaging 17.0 points, 5.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals in his first season with the Bucks, and ranks second in the league in steals per game.