Milwaukee Bucks: 3 impending free agents likeliest to return next season

The Milwaukee Bucks are certainly riding high after winning their first title in 50 seasons just several days ago.

While the celebration will continue to live on, the team will have to get back to business soon as a quick turnaround is in store with free agency set to kick off on August 2. With the team looking to repeat as champions next season, they will undoubtedly be busy in free agency as they look to piece together another title-contending roster.

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However, rather than focusing on adding outside talent, the front office must first focus on what they will do internally, as several key contributors from this title run are set to potentially hit the market once free agency begins.

With little spending money, it could be a tall task trying to keep everyone around, as it is with every championship team. With that being said, here are free agents that are likeliest to be back next year.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo could return to the Milwaukee Bucks next season

After spending the last two years with the Bucks, Thanasis Antetokounmpo will enter the offseason as a restricted free agent.

Many will joke that the 29-year-old only had a spot on the roster on the Bucks because he is the older brother of the reigning Finals MVP. However, despite not putting up the flashiest numbers, Thanasis saw an extended opportunity this season and quickly carved out a role for himself that captivated the fanbase. That role revolved around providing an energetic spark, whether he was on the floor, the sidelines, or even the hotel room, where he was as the Bucks hoisted the trophy after Game 6 due to being in the league’s health and safety protocols.

Still, Thanasis saw an extended role in the rotation for the Bucks this season by playing 551 minutes in the regular season, blowing his previous career-high of 129 out of the water. During those 551 minutes, he gave it everything he had each and every night. He did not impact the game by scoring double figures or facilitating at a high level, but just by hustling every play. If there was a loose ball out on the court, he was on it. If the Bucks needed to turn up the physicality, Thanasis would sprint onto the floor and provide some aggressive defense.

When he was on the sidelines, he is just as energetic as ever. Thanasis could often be seen hyping up Giannis Antetokounmpo on the sidelines, giving him and the rest of this team a spark when they needed it. Every team needs a player that is willing to accept such a role, cheering from the sidelines when they are not playing while giving it 110 percent from the moment they check in.

As for free agency, Thanasis will almost certainly not command a hefty deal to stay put right in Milwaukee and run it back. Having Giannis locked in for the next five seasons undeniably will not hurt his brother’s chances of sticking around, and it seems feasible that he will be back with the Bucks next season on a team-friendly deal.