The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a critical offseason that could mark a pivotal moment in their franchise history. All-Star point guard Damian Lillard is currently under contract for one more guaranteed year, with a player option for the 2025-26 NBA season. The team’s performance this season will likely influence his decision regarding that option.
Milwaukee’s star player and one of the best NBA draft picks ever, Giannis Antetokounmpo, is currently under contract for two more guaranteed years. He has expressed that as long as the Bucks maintain their commitment to winning, he will continue to be committed to Milwaukee. Having experienced a rebuild after initially joining the Bucks, he has no interest in going through another one.
Regrettably, both Lillard and Giannis were unavailable due to injury during the Milwaukee Bucks’ first-round defeat to the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Playoffs. Khris Middleton participated in the entire series, although he wasn’t fully fit either. Following Doc Rivers’ appointment as head coach, Giannis, Lillard, and Middleton only played together in a combined six games.
Due to their stars’ injuries, it became evident to everyone that Milwaukee’s supporting lineup lacked the capability to assist Giannis, Lillard, and Middleton in pursuing an NBA Championship. As a result, players such as Jae Crowder and Malik Beasley are expected to leave in free agency.
Because Milwaukee is operating within the NBA’s second-tier luxury tax threshold, they can only sign free agents willing to accept the veteran minimum. Their ability to make trades is also restricted as they cannot take on more salary than they send out. Therefore, if the Bucks aim to acquire significant talent via trades, they will likely need to trade one or more of their key supporting players.
Both Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton were part of the Bucks’ NBA Finals-winning team in 2021. However, there are indications that one or both of them could be traded to facilitate another acquisition.
Lopez was recently rumored to be a trade target for the San Antonio Spurs.
Regarding Portis and Connaughton, both are important contributors off the bench for the Bucks. However, their postseason performances in the last two years have not fully showcased their value. It’s understandable that the Bucks would consider parting ways with either of them.
