The Milwaukee Bucks are at a potential turning point in the franchise’s history, with the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo in major question.
While the team can’t control the superstar’s decision-making, they are doing everything they can to keep him happy, though it is yet to be seen how those moves impact winning. Most recently, it was announced that the Bucks signed AJ Green to a new deal.
“Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green has agreed to a four-year, $45 million fully guaranteed contract extension with the franchise,” Shams Charania of ESPN wrote.
After a breakout season for Milwaukee last year, the franchise is hopeful the 26-year-old guard will continue to rise and play an impactful role on the team. The news of Green’s extension comes just days after Charania announced the Bucks had signed Alex Antetokounmpo, Giannis’s youngest brother, to join him and the oldest brother, Thanasis.
Green Extension Is A Message To Giannis
Milwaukee agreeing to an extension with Green right before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season sends a clear message to Antetokounmpo that they are doing everything within their power to put together a strong supporting cast.
Bucks general manager Jon Horst said as much earlier in the year, and has since backed that up to Antetokounmpo himself.
While many predict Milwaukee to take a step back after losing Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez over the summer, adding Myles Turner isn’t enough for people to keep seeing them as a title contender in the East.
However, the Bucks do have cap space, and are now using it, as seen with the $45 million given to Green. While it might not be a big-name player Milwaukee is committing to long-term, they only have a few players on guaranteed contracts after this season, and locking down as many as possible now could be in the team’s best interest.
“Green is now under contract through the 2029-30 season in Milwaukee as the Bucks keep him from entering free agency next summer – a critical commitment given that the 26-year-old has emerged as the full-time starter for Doc Rivers entering the new campaign,” Charania wrote.
Green shot 42.9% from three-point range last season, the sixth-highest in the NBA among those taking at least 300 attempts. His 7.4 points on 22.7 minutes per game in 2024-25 might not jump off the page, but Antetokounmpo has proven he plays well with shooters, and Milwaukee is hoping that trend continues.
With the extension, Green will also likely be taking on a heavier playmaking role, as the Bucks lack a true, experienced point guard heading into the season.
Bucks Still Holding Their Breath
The most recent Green extension, as well as adding another Antetokounmpo for a historic trio of brothers, are both messages to the Greek Freak to keep him in town, but neither offers a full guarantee.
Antetokounmpo, especially in recent weeks, has been very open about his interest in exploring options outside of Milwaukee. Charania’s reporting uncovered that it was the New York Knicks he had his eyes on, but even though talks quieted pretty quickly, the 2021 Finals MVP isn’t shooting down questions about his future.
In a recent feature profile by Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, Antetokounmpo said when it comes to his legacy, he is focused on winning, rather than personal statistics.
“It’s not about stats no more,” Antetokounmpo said, according to Reynolds. “It’s about how can we do great things on the court. How can we put ourselves in a position that we can win accolades as a team. And that’s what’s left. Every basketball player, every athlete, starts a career and they have this quest of what they want to accomplish and what to be remembered for. And I think at this point, I’ve accomplished everything that I’ve put my mind to.”
With the Bucks’ lack of blockbuster moves over the offseason, some might take that as a shot at his team. Regardless, Antetokounmpo has been clear that he isn’t set in stone on anything relating to his NBA future, especially concerning his time in Milwaukee.
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