Milwaukee Bucks cement future with star player’s multimillion contract extension

Milwaukee Bucks have made a decisive move to secure their future, locking in guard A.J. Green with a four-year, $45 million contract extension ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. This commitment ensures that Green remains a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s rotation as the team looks to build around its core stars.

A.J. Green: From undrafted to key contributor

Green’s journey in the NBA has been nothing short of remarkable. After going undrafted in 2022, he has steadily developed into one of the league’s most reliable shooters. Over his first three seasons, Green has consistently increased his role and impact for the Bucks.

In his rookie year, Green averaged 4.4 points in 9.9 minutes across 35 games. The following season (2023-24) saw a modest increase, with 4.5 points in 11.0 minutes per game over 56 contests.

However, it was this past season that marked a true breakthrough. A.J. Green played 22.7 minutes across 73 games, including seven starts, averaging 7.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His shooting efficiency also climbed to career highs, hitting 42.9 percent from the field and 42.7 percent from three-point range.

Stepping up in the playoffs

Green’s development was particularly evident in the playoffs, where he scored double figures in three of the five games during the Bucks’ first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. He connected on 20 of 46 three-point attempts (43.5 percent), proving that he can perform under high-pressure situations.

Head coach Doc Rivers praised A.J. Green’s progress, particularly his decision-making and timing.

“He’s really good with the ball coming off screens,” Rivers said last season. “In college, he ran a lot of pick and rolls, so it’s not like it’s something he hasn’t done before.” “His timing is getting better. Young players are so antsy, they kind of give the answer away half the time. We get on AJ a lot when he’s a weakside action to act like the action is not coming to you... I think he’s getting better at that.”

Green’s improved passing and basketball IQ complement his already elite shooting, making him a versatile option in Milwaukee’s offense.

Future role with the Bucks

Looking ahead, A.J. Green is expected to continue his role as a spot-up shooter and occasional facilitator, stretching the floor alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and new addition Myles Turner. Last season, he shot an impressive 44.9 percent on catch-and-shoot threes, highlighting his value as a reliable perimeter threat.