Jaime Jaquez Jr. isn’t spending much time worrying about a contract extension, and that makes sense.
With the Milwaukee Bucks nearing the deadline on a possible new deal for the newcomer, the idea of locking in long-term security would be tempting for plenty of players. But at Bucks media day, Jaquez made it clear he’s staying locked on the job in front of him.
"I'd say I approach it the same way I approach every day: just trying to be professional as I can be. I'm here to work right now.
My contract is the one that's going into next year. That's really the only one I can really worry about...
Whatever happens, will happen."
That stance fits the moment. Spotrac’s Keith Smith projected Jaquez for a four-year, $83 million extension in his roundup of 2023 draft class deals, which is a massive payday by any standard. Still, with other 2023 draftees like Amen and Ausar Thompson and Keyonte George landing much larger contracts, Jaquez has every reason to think bigger if he puts together another strong season.
A big year with Milwaukee could push him well beyond that $83 million estimate and into nine-figure territory on his next contract. That possibility helps explain why nothing has materialized yet ahead of Oct.
- Jaquez may be aiming to show he’s worth more than the current projection.
Training camp has only just opened, but there’s already a path for him to claim the Bucks’ starting small forward job. That would mark the biggest role of his NBA career, especially considering he has started only 38 games over his first three seasons.
The forward already has a résumé that points upward. In 2025-26, Jaquez finished second in the Sixth Man of the Year race and put up career-best numbers in nearly every category. The next step is obvious: move into the starting five and see how far that expanded role can take him.
If he delivers, the payoff could be waiting next summer in the form of a much larger contract. For now, though, Jaquez is keeping his focus on the present, and the Bucks may benefit if that mindset turns into a bet on himself.
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Draymond Greens comments only added to the unease, pointing to the possibility of severe punishment if the NBA decides Milwaukee deserves a response along the lines of what the Clippers faced in their own case. For now, the investigation is still open and the outcome remains unresolved, which leaves Bucks fans waiting to see whether this turns into a routine league inquiry or something far more damaging. [Read more 🡒]
Bucks Camp Is Already Testing A Roster Built Without Giannis
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Kyle Kuzma is one of the veterans expected to help hold that together, both by setting the tone and by bringing along younger teammates as camp opens. After a season defined by injuries and too little scoring, the Bucks are trying to establish a new baseline quickly, and the first few days have already shown how much the roster will be tested as it learns to function without its old centerpiece. [Read more 🡒]
Tyler Herro Already Faces One Huge Test With The Bucks
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Milwaukee does have enough help around him to cover some of those rough edges, which gives Herro some room to grow without being thrown into every tough assignment at once. Still, his progress on that end could matter well beyond this season, especially with contract stakes always hovering around a player whose offensive value is obvious but whose defensive reputation remains the lingering question. [Read more 🡒]