Damian Lillard, Bucks
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Damian Lillard could be replaced by Malcolm Brogdon in the Milwaukee Bucks' backcourt.
A fter waiving Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks are eyeing a reunion with their former Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon to replace the nine-time All-Star guard in their backcourt.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Bucks are one of the eight teams that have expressed interest in Brogdon.
“League sources say that the Wizards are open to sign-and-trade discussions to facilitate Brogdon’s exit and a slew of teams have registered varying levels of interest in the 32-year-old. That list includes the Clippers, Suns and Lakers as well as the Warriors, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Kings and Bucks,” Fischer wrote.
Malcolm Brogdon, then of the Washington Wizards, soon to join the L.A. Clippers
GettyWill Malcom Brogdon return to Milwaukee?
Brogdon was selected by the Bucks in 2016 with the 36th overall pick. He won Rookie of the Year after playing in a career-high 75 games while averaging 10.2 points, 4.2 assists and a career-best 1.1 steals.
However, injuries derailed Brogdon’s career. After his third season, the Bucks did not match the Indiana Pacers’ four-year, $85 million deal offer and decided to part ways with him via sign-and-trade in exchange for future picks, which they eventually used to land Jrue Holiday later on.
So, the Brogdon sign-and-trade with the Pacers birthed the Bucks’ championship in 2021 with the Holiday acquisition.
Will Brogdon have a full-circle moment in Milwaukee this offseason?
The Bucks only have the veteran minimum to offer Brogdon, who earned $22.5 million last season. So, a sign-and-trade is the Bucks’ only chance to beat the competition for Brogdon’s services.
The opening in the Bucks’ backcourt in the wake of the waive-and-stretch Lillard move could appeal to Brogdon to receive less money.
Bucks Could Offer Malcolm Brogdon Opportunity to Start
Brogdon could see the Bucks as his pathway to play with a contender and repair his value after coming off his second-lowest scoring season in his career. A left ankle sprain sidelined him for the final 28 games after only playing a career-low 24 games.
The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 12.7 points while shooting a career-worst 28.6% from the three-point line, 4.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 23.5 minutes per game for the tanking Wizards.
Injuries have derailed his once-promising career. He has not played over 70 games since his rookie season. Since the Boston Celtics shipped him to Portland in 2023 after winning the Sixth Man of the Year, Brogdon has only played in 63 games across the last two seasons.
When healthy, Brogdon provides a steady hand and tough perimeter defense with his 6 feet 10.5 inches wingspan.
Bucks on Bradley Beal’s Wish List
Damian Lillard, Bradley Beal, Bucks
Getty Former Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns hug after a game.
Aside from Brogdon, the Bucks could also add three-time All-Star Bradley Beal.
Fred Katz of The Athletic reported on July 7 that the Bucks have landed on Beal’s short list of preferred landing spots after the expected buyout with the Phoenix Suns.
“According to a league source, the list of teams Beal has thought about includes the LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks,” Katz wrote.
The Suns and Beal are in serious discussions about buying out the remaining $110.8 million over the next two years on the three-time All-Star’s contract.
There is an increasing optimism that the two sides will agree to terms on a buyout, according to Katz, citing league sources. Katz added that Beal has to give back at least $13.8 million to allow the Suns to waive and stretch him.
Beal, 32, will be a bargain for a team that will sign him as an unrestricted free agent. The veteran guard still averaged 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 50/39/80 shooting splits last season for the Suns despite his clunky fit next to Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.