Well, the Milwaukee Bucks have done it, they are NBA champions and the beacon for all small-market teams. There were some serious questions about to be asked of the Bucks front office last season. They had their franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo coming up for his max extension and the rest of the NBA circling.
Well, history tells us that the Bucks signed Antetokounmpo to his deal and then set about putting the right pieces around him. They were part of a four-team trade that saw them send out George Hill, Eric Bledsoe, R.J. Hampton, and four future first-round draft picks or draft swaps. In return, they received Jrue Holiday and Sam Merrill.
It was not all smooth sailing for the Bucks in this preseason though. They attempted to orchestrate sign and trade with the Sacramento Kings for Bogdan Bogdanovic. However, it was prior to the free agency period so the trade was vetoed.
The Milwaukee Bucks continued to be active in pursuit of the best talent for their needs
The Bucks then signed Bobby Portis, Bryn Forbes, Torrey Craig, and D.J. Augustin as free agents, with the view to assessing how each one could help the franchise. Then in mid-March, the Bucks sent Craig to the Phoenix Suns, freeing up a roster spot.
However, the biggest mid-season move was to impact the playoffs was made a day later. The Bucks traded Augustin, D.J. Wilson, and two future first-round draft picks to the Houston Rockets. In return received Rodions Kurucs, P.J. Tucker, a future first-round pick, and a 2021 second-round draft pick.
The rest, as they say, is history. Tucker’s hard-nosed defense was crucial to the Bucks being able to win the NBA Finals in six games. However, no team can afford to stay still, even the current champions. With all this in mind. let’s take a look a the five roster moves the Milwaukee Bucks need to make this offseason.