There’s a Reason Milwaukee Gave Jrue Holiday $135M

The Bucks brought in Jrue Holiday to form an unconventional Big Three with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton — and it’s paying off.

On Wednesday, Holiday pulled off one of the greatest final minutes in NBA postseason history, hitting a game-tying three, blocking Boston’s final shot, and then stealing the ball on the Celtics’ last possession to seal the win.

After signing Holiday to a four-year, $135 million extension, the Bucks are getting the best from the two-way guard when it matters most.

• He’s the first player over the last 25 seasons to record a block and steal in the final 10 seconds of a postseason fourth quarter.
• With Middleton still out, Holiday has stepped into the role of second star, averaging 19.1 PPG with a 108.4 offensive rating.
• Holiday is making $32.4M this season, the Bucks’ third-highest salary — which will be second-highest ($40.2M) behind Giannis when he has a player option in 2024-25.

The Bucks brought in Holiday via a four-team blockbuster trade in 2020 precisely for moments like this, and if he can keep up this production in support of Giannis’ world-conquering heroics, the Bucks have a legitimate shot to repeat as NBA champs. 

They have the third-best odds (+300) with a closeout game at home on Friday and an 82% chance at winning the series.