Overall grade
Like the majority of their free agents this summer, the Bucks had very little other avenues but to prioritize re-signing Hill after having to waive him ahead of his salary guarantee date.
Hill made it very known during his exit interview following the end to the Bucks’ season that he was very willing to return to Milwaukee based on the culture they were building and their standing as title contenders for next season:
"“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.”"
The Bucks obviously made the necessary moves to open up a little more flexibility to make Hill’s return a little more worthwhile from a financial perspective as well, which showed a desire that they clearly valued the veteran’s services. And rightly so because when it mattered the most, Hill certainly stood as their most reliable point guard and was arguably the third-most consistent playoff performer if we’re looking at it from that lens.
Milwaukee gave themselves some wiggle room by attaching a partial guarantee on the final year of Hill’s reported deal, meaning he’ll be here throughout this current contending window.
That’s not insignificant and whether the Bucks will achieve their wish of potentially winning their second NBA title in franchise history with Hill’s help is on the minds of all Bucks fans going into next season.
BTBP Final Grade: B+