Deer in Headlights: Are the Bucks in Trouble ?
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The Milwaukee Bucks are one of the best teams in the league. They won 58 games clinching the first seed with Giannis leading the way and being an MVP runner-up this past 2022-2023 NBA season. However, they suffered a very disappointing upset in the first round against the eighth-seeded Miami Heat who went on to the NBA finals. With free agency fast approaching and trades completed, The Milwaukee Bucks have made no trades and are not a part of any rumors surrounding the league's stars who are demanding trades and open to the idea of being traded. This is a bit concerning considering the fact Milwaukee could use another superstar to make another great run for a championship. Also, the Bucks have their own dilemma surrounding their top players. Bucks all-star Khris Middleton has declined his player option and has decided to be a free agent. Bucks DPOY candidate and former all-star Brook Lopez is a free agent as well and is already gaining interest from some of the top teams in the league.
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Bradley Beal and Damian Lillard were two of the biggest names surrounding trade rumors this summer. Bradley Beal was traded to the Phoenix Suns on June 18th for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, and future second-round picks. The bucks were interested in Beal however Beal wasn't as interested in them. Thanks to his no trade clause being a part of his contract, Beal can approve him being traded to any destination and has the right to decline the trade if it's not to his liking. Beal narrowed his options down to two teams, the Heat, and the Suns. Beal ultimately decided with the Suns. Damian Lillard is also a name that's being tossed in trade rumors mainly surrounding the Miami Heat. For now, the Portland Trail Blazers are invested in Damian Lillard and have no interest in trading the star unless he requests so. The Bucks could use any of these stars along with Giannis and would instantly become the East favorites. It's concerning, to say the least, especially since they are at risk of losing their two best players in free agency. The Bucks could have used Bradley Beal who is a 20 plus per game scorer and an all-star when healthy. But the Bucks could especially use someone like Lillard who is more dependable and a much better shooter from range. The Bucks then would be lethal from outside, inside, and on defense if the team is built around Giannis and Damian Lillard.
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Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez are amongst the biggest names surrounding free agency this summer. The two are vital for the Bucks’ success, especially in 2021 during their championship run. Middleton provides creative shot scoring along with shooting from the wing. He came back from injury this year averaging 15 points in 33 games played. Assuming Middleton comes back stronger, he can go back to averaging 20 points, which would be very useful for the Bucks offensively. Defensively the Bucks need Lopez alongside Giannis, who helped lead their team defensively to be number four in defensive ratings, falling behind the Celtics at three, Grizzlies at two, and Cleveland at one. Lopez also averaged a career-high in blocks per game with 2.5 blocks and was the defensive player of the year runner-up in the 2022-2023 season. These two are necessary for the Bucks to be successful. With Middleton declining his player option and Lopez entering free agency, the Bucks cannot afford to lose these two, especially if they are unable to get Lillard in a deal.
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With free agency starting June 30th at 6 p.m. ET, the Bucks will have strong decisions to make to surround their best player Giannis. If the Bucks fail to resign two of their key players, get Damian Lillard, and not add any other imposing free agents such as Fred VanVleet, the future of the Bucks may not be so bright moving forward: especially with Giannis who has championship desires and will not be satisfied with losing. That could ultimately impact his future on the Bucks as well.
