Imagine going from undrafted to a $45 million contract! That's the incredible story of Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green, who has just secured a massive four-year extension. But how did he do it? Let's dive into the details of this surprising deal and what it means for the Bucks.
AJ Green, now entering his fourth season with the Milwaukee Bucks after initially going undrafted in 2022, has officially signed a four-year contract extension worth a reported $45 million. This significant financial commitment from the Bucks underscores Green's growing importance to the team. The deal was announced on social media by ProMondo Sports, Green's agency, and was first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania.
This extension is a testament to Green's hard work and development over the past few seasons. The 26-year-old guard is coming off a strong 2024-25 campaign where he averaged 7.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 73 games, playing an average of 22.7 minutes. But here's where it gets controversial... Green's most impressive stat was his 42.7% shooting from beyond the arc. To put that in perspective, that's elite-level three-point shooting. His 155 three-pointers made were the third-most on the team, highlighting his role as a key offensive weapon.
Green's performance in the playoffs further solidified his value. Despite the Bucks' first-round loss to the Indiana Pacers in five games, Green shone, connecting on 18 of his 35 three-point attempts. That's over 50%! This showcased his ability to perform under pressure, a quality that undoubtedly impressed the Bucks' management. In contrast, his earlier seasons saw him average 4.4 points in 2022-23 and 4.5 points in 2023-24, demonstrating a clear upward trajectory in his performance. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the raw numbers; it's about the consistent improvement and the potential for further growth that the Bucks are betting on. Is this contract an overpay based on a single good season, or a smart investment in a player on the rise?
Beyond the AJ Green extension, the Bucks have been active in other roster moves. They've signed Alex Antetokounmpo, the younger brother of Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, to a two-way contract. Alex, a 24-year-old, 6-foot-8 forward, previously played in the Greek Basketball League after stints with Raptors 905 and the Wisconsin Herd in the NBA G League. The Bucks also signed Johnny Davis and Jeremiah Tilmon to Exhibit 10 contracts, which are essentially training camp deals with potential bonuses if they make the final roster or play with the team's G League affiliate. Finally, Chris Livingston was waived. These moves indicate the Bucks are looking to bolster their depth and explore different roster combinations.
So, what do you think about AJ Green's extension? Is it a justified reward for his performance, or are the Bucks taking a gamble? And how will the addition of Alex Antetokounmpo impact the team's dynamic, even on a two-way contract? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
