Summer focus and final grade
Hill’s summer is set to be one of the most intriguing of any of the many Bucks set to hit the open market in the coming weeks.
If we’re being technical, Hill isn’t a free agent this summer, but the final year of his deal does include a guarantee that the Bucks simply won’t be able to afford. If Hill is still on the roster by July 1, he’ll be owed $18 million for next season. If he’s waived before then, the Bucks will only be required to pay him a $1 million partial guarantee.
The latter of those options is certainly the most likely outcome, but it won’t mean the Bucks won’t be eager to bring Hill back for at least one more season. Based on the player’s own comments during exit interviews, it seems likely that it’s a scenario he’ll be open to as well.
"“For me, money is never really important. It’s nice to have, but I never grew up with it. I don’t come from a family where we have everything in life given to us. Money’s not the big issue. I think it’s stability, being in a place where you feel wanted, the city that embraces you and your family and things like that. Those are my biggest things I’m looking for.”"
Considering the higher profile free agency obligations facing the Bucks, Hill will know that a return to Milwaukee may realistically have to come at the minimum. Perhaps that is something he’d be prepared to embrace, but it’s impossible to make that call before finding out just what kind of offers his strong playoff play may ultimately earn for him from elsewhere.
Now 33-years-old, Hill is certainly in the latter stages of his career. Once his future is resolved, his focus will likely then shift to getting in the best shape possible for another season, whether that’s with the Bucks or another team.
BTBP Final Grade: B
Our season reviews will continue over the next couple of weeks as we work our way through every player on the Bucks’ roster.