5 Current Milwaukee Bucks Who Will Not Last The Offseason

Apr 25, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) takes a shot against Chicago Bulls forward

(16) in the third quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Ersan Ilyasova – Traded

This one hurts too. Ersan Ilyasova is the longest-tenured Buck, and has stuck with Milwaukee through a lot. That was probably made easier for Ersan to stomach when he saw his bank account after the massive contract the Bucks handed him a few seasons ago. Let’s go to the questions.

1. Will this player still be productive in a few years, when the Bucks will be looking to contend for a title? 

Potentially. Ersan is only 27, so he should still have a lot of seasons left of being a spacing-happy power forward left in him.

2. Will this player’s salary prevent Milwaukee from re-signing Khris Middleton or adding other players in free agency, either this season or down the line?

Absolutely. Ersan is due almost $8 million next season, which is a huge block to the Bucks signing anyone big this offseason. Moving Ersan and Zaza would free up $13 million immediately, which would cover Middleton’s first season.

3. Could this player’s roster spot be better used on a different available player?

This is a little debatable. Ersan wasn’t bad this year, but he was his usual inconsistent self. Aside from the career year that got him paid, Ilyasova has never really been able to play good basketball for a full season. Considering his age and price tag, I would say the Bucks would be better off using this spot on someone they can develop.

Next: Too Soon? Nah.