Is Jrue Holiday the key to keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo?

With the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo at stake, is Jrue Holiday's presence enough to keep him in Milwaukee?

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The seats of the Milwaukee Bucks' decision-makers must be feeling warm these days after the franchise's megastar Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed his desire to take a wait-and-see approach about his impending free agency. Although the Bucks have done an incredible job of surrounding Giannis with a talented supporting cast, Jrue Holiday looks to be the most important piece to keeping the Greek Freak in Milwaukee.

Holiday's extension

The All-Star guard has been one of the Bucks' pillars on both ends of the floor for the last three seasons. He signed a four-year, $134-million deal in 2021 that will keep him in Milwaukee in 2025. However, he has a player option after the 2023-2024 season, which means that he could opt out and test free agency as early as the summer of 2024.

If the Bucks want to keep Giannis happy and feel like he is part of a championship-contending team for years to come, the front office should prioritize re-signing Jrue Holiday before his contract extension expires. This would be a huge commitment by the Bucks, but it could pay off if they can keep Giannis for years to come.

"The Milwaukee Bucks reinvested in Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez after firing Mike Budenholzer as head coach (hiring Adrian Griffin in his stead). The team has backslid in the postseason since its 2021 title. The bigger picture goal is to ensure Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to stay beyond his current contract (player option after the 2024-25 season). Before then, point guard Jrue Holiday, 33, can opt out of his $39.4 million after the 2023-24 campaign. Keeping Holiday could be the key to Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee," Eric Pincus wrote.

Undeniably great

Although he is already 33 years old with 14 seasons under his belt, Jrue is showing no signs of slowing down. He remains a solid offensive option, capable of scoring inside and out. His most valuable asset, though, is his defensive tenacity. He has earned a reputation for being one of the league's top defenders, and his presence in the backcourt is invaluable to the Bucks. Giannis said that how the team does this coming season and the next one will play a huge role in his free agency decision. So, if the Bucks want to achieve long-term success, Jrue Holiday will be a major factor.

"Ultimately, Antetokoumpo's fate may depend on how the team performs in the playoffs. To that end, keeping Holiday is likely the Bucks' priority," Pincus added.