The architect of the Eastern Conference’s best team this past season will be staying put, perhaps to the dismay of everyone else. Milwaukee has extended the contract of General Jon Horst, according to the team’s official press release. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski provided the news first.
Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst – an NBA executive of the year candidate – has signed a three-year contract extension, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 7, 2019
“Jon’s strong leadership and savvy decision-making ability have been instrumental as we continue to build the Bucks into a championship-caliber organization,” said Bucks owners Wes Edens, Marc Lasry and Jamie Dinan via the official press release. “He has brought smart processes to our basketball operations and together with Head Coach Mike Budenholzer and President Peter Feigin, Jon has done an incredible job connecting the basketball and business sides of our organization. We are excited about the future of our team and confident in Jon leading us to the highest level.”
Horst, who is a finalist for NBA Executive of the Year, began his career with the Detroit Pistons in 2005. He has been with Milwaukee since 2008 and has been General Manager for two seasons. In those seasons, the Bucks have a record of 104-60 and won 60 games last season for the first time since 1980. Even more importantly, they won a playoff series for the first time since 2001.
But now, the real challenges begin. While the first two years with Horst at the helm have trended upward, the ensuing offseason will be important. Milwaukee, despite winning two playoff series, will be forced to make some tough decisions. Khris Middleton is a free agent along with several key players like Malcolm Brogdon, George Hill, and Brook Lopez (though signing Lopez already appears a priority). The Bucks will have to be savvy to keep the team intact while still making improvement on a roster that was two wins away from the NBA Finals. If this contract extension says anything, it is a vote of confidence that Jon Horst is up to the task.
