MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 24: General manager Jon Horst of the Milwaukee Bucks speaks to the ... [+]
The Milwaukee Bucks have 14 players under contract for next season, with one open roster spot remaining as general manager Jon Horst contemplates his next move.
While other Eastern Conference contenders have made headlines, Milwaukee has had a relatively quiet offseason. The New York Knicks traded for Mikal Bridges, the Philadelphia 76ers signed Paul George, and other teams have improved along the margins.
But don’t blame Horst and the front office. They didn’t have a stash of first-rounders like the Knicks or the cap space to lure top free agents like Philadelphia. Instead, they’ve used their two draft picks (23rd overall on AJ Johnson and 33rd on Tyler Smith) and signed Delon Wright and Taurean Prince to veteran minimums.
With one roster spot remaining, Milwaukee has several directions to choose from. Let’s break down the options:
Stand Pat
Milwaukee could choose to do nothing and leave the spot open heading into the season. This would be a cap-saving move as the Bucks will sport one of the most expensive rosters in the NBA, paying hefty luxury tax dollars.
They've already cut corners with first-round pick AJ Johnson, giving him only 114 percent of his first-year contract value (most players get 120 percent). This move saved $150,000—every penny counts when you’re deep in the luxury tax.
Add a Big
The Bucks currently have three bigs with NBA experience: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis. Second-rounder Tyler Smith rounds out the fourth spot.
Historically, this has been enough for Milwaukee, but they might want additional depth this season. Lopez is 36, and Antetokounmpo, who has battled injuries, will be playing all summer for Greece in the Olympics.
The problem is, there aren’t many good bigs left on the market. Precious Achiuwa would be a home run, but he’s likely out of their price range. Plus, who wants to take less money to sit on Milwaukee’s bench? They need some front-line insurance if they don’t plan on playing small ball all season.
Add a Wing
Prince has mostly played the 3 in recent years, and Wright can slide up to play the 2. The Bucks also have AJ Green, Andre Jackson Jr., and MarJon Beauchamp eager to prove themselves.
However, Milwaukee lacks a clear starter in the backcourt alongside Damian Lillard. Gary Trent Jr. could theoretically fill that role, though he’s not a perfect fit. The Bucks might opt for the most talented player available and figure out the logistics later. They could also target a defensive-minded wing to slot between Lillard and Khris Middleton, but those options are slim in free agency.
Add a Ball-Handler
The Bucks' lack of ball-handlers was exposed in the postseason when the Indiana Pacers pressed them relentlessly. They have Lillard, who will handle the rock most of the time, and Antetokounmpo and Middleton will share some responsibilities. But Wright is the only other reliable ball-handler on the roster.
This leaves them one short and an area they could still address in free agency. With only two point guards (and one pure point in Lillard), they could look to add another player at the position. A more viable option might be targeting a wing or combo guard who can handle the ball and play multiple positions.
There’s still plenty of time before the NBA season begins, and there could be a hidden move or two lying in wait. Let’s see what Horst and the front office have up their sleeve. The Bucks’ next move could make all the difference in their quest to return to the top.
