The Milwaukee Bucks have had an interesting start to free agency. Although they have made a key acquisition in the form of Myles Turner, they were only able to do so by waiving their star point guard, Damian Lillard.
The decision to waive Lillard may save them a significant chunk of money in the future, but it has not garnered the favor of Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Considering the rumblings earlier in the offseason regarding Antetokounmpo's decision to explore a trade, Milwaukee needs to form a roster capable of competing right away.
As constructed, the Bucks need several positional reinforcements and upgrades. With their imminent needs in mind, we explore the best available players that the Bucks could look to acquire in the offseason.
Chris Paul
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Spectrum Center.
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Spectrum Center.
Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Free Agency
The Bucks' most pressing concern this offseason will be at the point guard position. With the departure of Damian Lillard, Milwaukee is effectively without a capable floor general.
To address this issue, several players have emerged as potential targets, particularly in free agency. Among these, the ideal prospect for the team is the 40-year-old veteran guard, Chris Paul.
Even at this stage in his career, the 40-year-old is one of the most capable floor generals in the league. His basketball IQ, sense, and playmaking ability make him an ideal fit for a team like the Bucks, especially the way they are currently constructed.
Last season, Paul played with the San Antonio Spurs. Having played the entire 82 games in the season, he recorded an average of 8.8 points and 7.4 assists per game.
While these stats pale in comparison to Lillard's, the Bucks will view this favorably. Paul's arrival would ease the load of initiating the offense on Antetokounmpo, allowing the team to operate with more structure. With enough potential for a traditional pick-and-roll offense to succeed, the Bucks will consider acquiring Paul as a priority.
Anfernee Simons
Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) dribbles down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) dribbles down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center.
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Trade
As their search for Lillard replacements continues, Milwaukee could also entertain the possibility of making a trade to sign Anfernee Simons from the Boston Celtics. The young shooting guard only recently arrived in Boston, but recent rumors have suggested that they are looking to trade him.
The Bucks could benefit from acquiring a young and talented scorer like Simons. To do so, we also constructed a trade proposal that would facilitate this move.
Proposed Trade Details
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Anfernee Simons
Boston Celtics Receive: Kyle Kuzma, AJ Green, 2027 first-round pick (NOLA)
The acquisition of Simons could be the most logical replacement for Lillard. While considering the guard's style of play, it mimics the former Bucks guard.
While this may not be a winning formula for Milwaukee, Simons remains a very gifted player. In 70 games played last season, the 26-year-old recorded an average of 19.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists a game while shooting 42.6% from the field and 36.3% from beyond the arc.
His limited playmaking ability is overshadowed only by his explosive scoring talent. This could be of use to the Bucks to address their need for a second scoring option.
Amir Coffey
Amir Coffey
Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Free Agency
Another player the Bucks could look to add to their roster, primarily to improve their backcourt rotation, is Amir Coffey. Coffey has been with the Los Angeles Clippers for the entirety of his professional career. Now, on the free agency market, Milwaukee could benefit from signing him to a cap-friendly deal.
At 27 years old, Coffey is still a young guard. Having played off the bench for the better part of his career, the Clippers' reserve understands his role on the team.
Coffey offers a solid scoring punch off the bench. In his 24.3 minutes per game averaged last season, he displayed impressive productivity, notching 9.7 points per game on 47.1% shooting from the field and 40.9% shooting from three-point range.
Coffey's addition could be viewed as insurance for Gary Trent Jr. and Gary Harris. But there is also a fair opportunity for the 27-year-old to be the first option on the bench. He has consistently shown the ability to provide instant offense off the bench, and the Bucks could find use for this to improve their overall roster depth.
Thomas Bryant
Thomas Bryant
Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Free Agency
The addition of Myles Turner has been a timely one. With Brook Lopez leaving the Bucks in free agency, the team requires a big man to fill out their frontcourt.
But Turner's addition doesn't necessarily address the issues associated with the team's big man rotation. With a dire need for centers off the bench, the Bucks could look to sign Thomas Bryant from free agency to fill out their rotation.
Bryant has shown himself to be a reliable center. Although he is limited in his ability to create on offense, he has shown a tremendous work ethic and plays with a lot of effort, while bringing energy off the bench.
Last season, the big man recorded averages of 6.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while averaging 15.1 minutes of playing time. While considering his shooting splits of 50.8% from the field, it is clear that the 27-year-old makes the most of the opportunities he receives.
Bryant's signing could be solid support for Bobby Portis in the frontcourt. Additionally, his experience of playing alongside Turner, along with his championship experience, could be vital attributes in helping him succeed in Milwaukee.
Garrison Mathews
Feb 1, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Garrison Mathews (24) shoots the ball against Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Garrison Mathews attempts a three-point shot during a game against the Indiana Pacers.
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Free Agency
Among the many free-agent shooting guards available on the free agency market, the Bucks could entertain the possibility of signing Garrison Mathews to a team-friendly deal this offseason.
Mathews brings a lot to the table as a backup shooter off the bench. While being capable of creating his shot, the 28-year-old has displayed a streaky ability to knock down several shots once he gets some momentum going.
The guard was at his best during his stint with the Rockets in the 2021-22 season. Although his numbers have seen a bit of a downturn since then, he remains quite productive. He averaged 7.5 points on shooting splits of 39.0% from three-point range during his stint with the Atlanta Hawks last season.
Considering that Mathews was on a relatively cap-friendly contract before entering free agency, the Bucks could look to acquire him on a veteran's minimum deal. While there wouldn't be much promise of playing time, the guard could add a lot of depth to Milwaukee's backcourt rotation.
What Must The Bucks Do To Remain Relevant?
The Milwaukee Bucks' outlook next season is still largely dependent on the kind of moves they make in the offseason. A team led by Giannis Antetokounmpo would undoubtedly be competitive, especially now that he has support defensively. But the lack of a floor general could cause problems.
The immediate need the front office will need to address is the addition of a point guard. A playmaker would bring balance to the starting rotation, while also reducing the workload on their star forward.
Given the state of the Eastern Conference, the Bucks still stand a chance to remain relevant. But they are a long way away from being considered title contenders.
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