The NBA offseason has arrived in quick fashion for the Milwaukee Bucks after triumphantly lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy and earning its second title in franchise history just two weeks ago. With NBA free agency looming right around the corner now, the Bucks will have to make some key decisions to the roster that will shape next season’s campaign to repeat as NBA Champions.
Following the 2021 NBA Draft, Milwaukee acquired Seton Hall forward Sandro Mamukelashvili with the 54th overall pick and Greek combo guard Georgios Kalaitzakis with the 60th pick via trade with the Indiana Pacers that sent the 31st pick to Indiana and four second-round picks to Milwaukee. It was an interesting first action of the offseason from general manager Jon Horst to trade back and add two intriguing prospects that likely won’t contribute right away, but the next phase of decision-making will be the most important aspect of retooling the 2021-22 roster.
As the Milwaukee Bucks prepare to defend their championship, let’s examine three targets they should pursue in NBA free agency.
Before free agency begins, the Bucks will have seven players on contract for next season: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez, Donte DiVincenzo, Pat Connaughton, and Jordan Nwora. Assuming Sam Merrill, Mamadi Diakite, and Elijah Bryant’s contracts are guaranteed while both second-round picks are signed, the defending champions would have 12 roster spots filled.
Bobby Portis and Bryn Forbes recently declined their player options to become unrestricted free agents, joining P.J. Tucker and Jeff Teague. Although, the Bucks have Bird Rights on Tucker, which makes him much easier to re-sign against the cap. Thanasis Antetokounmpo will enter restricted free agency.
Since the Bucks are limited financially as a luxury tax team, it’ll be impossible to run it back with the same championship squad. It’s likely that P.J. Tucker could be retained on a deal structured around two years, $20 million, but that could be it out of the impending free agents. Forbes is most likely accepting more money elsewhere and Portis could do the same. Milwaukee does have the taxpayer mid-level exception worth $5.9 million that should be offered to fan-favorite Bobby Portis, but he’s worth double that as showcased last season.
Tucker and Portis should be the priorities upon the start of free agency negotiations on Monday, August 2nd, and can officially be signed on Friday, August 6th. Depending on how many roster spots are left, let’s look at three other potential free agent targets for the Milwaukee Bucks, starting with veteran guard Patty Mills.