ESPN insider expresses concern over the Milwaukee Bucks' future if Jrue Holiday leaves in free agency

The Bucks may be in dire straits if Jrue leaves in free agency.

© Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks have some big decisions to make involving some key personnel. While superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has made no qualms about expressing his desire for the Bucks to position itself as a winning franchise, now and for the future, the Bucks must first pay attention to one of its key pieces or risk losing him in free agency — Jrue Holiday.

ESPN's NBA insider Bobby Marks recently expressed his concern about what could happen to the Bucks if they don't re-sign Holiday, saying the team may find itself in deep trouble if this happens.

X-factor

Giannis has put the Bucks on notice, essentially saying he’s willing to move to another team a few years later if Milwaukee doesn’t win another NBA title in the next couple of seasons. An essential component of the Bucks’ success in the last few seasons is Jrue, who was an All-Star last season after averaging 18.4 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.

One of the, if not the, best two-way players in the NBA today, Jrue is entering the final year of his contract, but he does possess a player option worth $37.3 million for the 2024-2025 season. However, the former UCLA star will surely want a long-term contract, especially with age and injury concerns starting to creep up.

Marks said Holiday will be a domino piece worth monitoring, as the Bucks’ decision on his future could have a ripple effect on the rest of their offseason.

“I would be concerned based on what happens with Jrue Holiday,” Marks said. “I think that's going to be the x-factor and what I am going to keep an eye on. Holiday is extension eligible on 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.”

"I would be concerned based on what happens with Jrue Holiday"

Bobby Marks explains why Holiday will play a major role in Giannis' future decisions pic.twitter.com/dJEU09Kehd

— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) September 16, 2023

Keeping their court general

The Bucks are already light on point guard depth, with the team not having a dependable backup point guard. This further emphasizes the importance of what they will do with their star point guard.

By extending his contract, it sends a clear message to the NBA that Milwaukee is determined to maintain its competitive stance. However, if Holiday becomes a free agent next year, it may attract offers from other teams, potentially luring him away from the Bucks. This scenario could also influence Giannis to consider exploring other opportunities, which Milwaukee wishes to prevent.