As the Milwaukee Bucks will unfortunately soon come to realize, all good things must eventually come to an end.
While fans would love to see the organization bring everyone back to try and defend their title as the reigning NBA Champions in full next season, it is simply impossible. Whether it be financially, structurally, or any other reason, this roster will look far different by the time the 2021-22 season ultimately rolls around in the coming months.
More from Bucks Free Agency
- Remaining free agents who could fill the Milwaukee Bucks’ final roster spot
- 7 free agent targets with ties to new Milwaukee Bucks coach Adrian Griffin
- Ranking Bucks free agents from most to least likely to return next season
- Milwaukee Bucks: 3 Jeff Teague replacements in 2021 NBA Free Agency
- Milwaukee Bucks: 5 viable free agent targets with ties to Jrue Holiday
The first order of business was handling the draft, where the Bucks shocked many by trading away their 31st pick for several second rounders. Most of the widespread attention will be fixated on free agency as the team is set to have several key pieces hit the market.
With little resources to retain everyone for another run, it will be an offseason with some goodbyes. With that being said, here are predictions for where Milwaukee’s free agents will sign this offseason.
(Two-ways Justin Jackson and Axel Toupane will not be factored in)
Free agency prediction No. 1 – Thanasis Antetokounmpo re-signs with the Milwaukee Bucks
This will certainly not be among the most controversial opinions, but Thanasis Antetokounmpo sticking around with the Bucks seems feasible.
Many will immediately point to the fact that his brother, Giannis Antetokounmpo, is the reigning Finals MVP and will clamor for his brother to have a spot on the roster. However, Thanasis showed throughout the 2020-21 season that he could be a contributor to this team. While he will not put up the flashiest number or take home the most awards at the end of the season, Thanasis proved that he could impact the game with his motor.
When he was on the court, the swingman could often be found launching himself towards loose balls, hustling for rebounds on both ends, and playing some aggressive defense. Thanasis would always give the Bucks a spark off the bench to provide some much-needed energy, seeing a more prominent role in the rotation this year by playing 422 more minutes and playing 37 more games than he did last season. When he was on the sidelines, that energy never faded away as he would still be as vibrant as ever by cheering on his teammates to the max.
For the Bucks, bringing him back would be a low-risk, as well as a low-cost scenario. Thanasis would certainly not command a lucrative deal in free agency, and it seems like his heart is in Milwaukee playing alongside his brother. It does not seem far-fetched to believe he will be back for another run next season.
Free agency prediction No. 2 – Jeff Teague leaves the Milwaukee Bucks for the Los Angeles Lakers
After being brought aboard mid-season via the buyout market, Jeff Teague never quite found his footing with the Bucks.
While he was hit or miss throughout the team’s title run, several teams certainly would not mind having him on their roster ahead of next season. Teague has been a solid point guard in the NBA for his 12 seasons now, and although he is no longer a starting-caliber guard, he could bolster most team’s second unit with an experienced floor general. Despite some lapses in judgment at times, Teague’s ability to handle the ball and make plays for others is something that teams value.
That is where a team like the Los Angeles Lakers would likely look to pursue him. Much like the Bucks, the Lakers will have little money to operate this offseason, and with the team needing to shore up their guard depth, they could take a flyer on Teague. Following their blockbuster trade for former league MVP Russell Westbrook, the Lakers have a new starting point guard in town, but they will need to find his backup in free agency.
Teague would be a cheap option for them to come off the bench and orchestrate the offense when LeBron James or Russell Westbrook need a breather on the bench. Signing with Los Angeles would allow Teague to continue competing at the highest level, which is something that must be factored into his decision-making at this stage in his career.
While it seems reasonable to believe Teague will leave, it will not be set in stone until it ultimately happens, if it comes down to that. After all, Teague said that coming to Milwaukee was an easy choice for him after he was bought out because he wanted to reunite with Budenholzer, and he could want to stick around with the two-time Coach of the Year for more. Only time will tell, but if he does leave, Los Angeles seems like a feasible landing spot.
Free agency prediction No. 3 – Bryn Forbes leaves the Milwaukee Bucks for the New Orleans Pelicans
It seems like more than a hunch that Bryn Forbes will be taking his talents elsewhere after just one season with the Bucks.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Forbes will decline his player option worth $2.3 million for next season, and it is realistic to believe he will have a strong market. Shooting a career-high 45.2 percent from 3-point territory this season, teams that are in the hunt for outside shooting will be willing to pay a hefty price to land the guard. One such team that will likely be in the mix is the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans shot an abysmal 34.8 percent from behind the arc during the regular season, which ranked 26th in the association. This caused a prominent issue for the team all season as their budding superstar Zion Williamson needed the proper spacing to operate offensively as he bulldozes his way to the basket. Sound familiar? It should because the Bucks have a player that attacks the basket with a similar ferocity and needs to be surrounded by outside shooters in Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Forbes and Antetokounmpo were a perfect match for one another on the court, and there is little doubt that the guard could see that same success with Williamson. Several days ago, this idea might have seemed far-fetched, but with the Pelicans clearing significant cap room by trading away Steven Adams and former Buck Eric Bledsoe, they will have some spending money this offseason. As they look to resolve their shooting issues, Forbes would be an easy target for them.
Free agency prediction No. 4 – P.J. Tucker re-signs with the Milwaukee Bucks
After playing a key role in their title run, it seems like an agreement between P.J. Tucker and the Bucks will be in the cards.
First and foremost, they hold his Bird rights, which means they will be able to go over the salary cap to re-sign him. Tucker was eligible for a two-year extension worth $17 million when the Bucks traded for him back in March, but the two sides seemingly agreed not to discuss anything until after the season so they would not cause any distractions. Recently turning 36-years-old, a deal similar to that in the short-term range could still realistically be worthwhile.
Whatever the case might be in negotiations, reaching an agreement with Tucker would be a huge boost for the Bucks. His robust defense was crucial throughout the team’s title run and keeping him in the fold with other household defenders like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez would help keep this defensive unit formidable. This team has prided itself on their defensive excellence, and keeping someone like Tucker, that is as versatile as ever defensively, would be a great player to have on their side.
Most contending teams across the landscape will be looking to target Tucker once free agency begins on August 2, but all signs point toward Milwaukee being his home. The veteran has stated on many occasions how the Bucks were atop the list of his preferred trade destinations as he feuded with the Houston Rockets before being traded. With the franchise holding his Bird rights, it makes it all the likelier that he will stick around.
Free agency prediction No. 5 – Bobby Portis leaves the Milwaukee Bucks to sign with the Charlotte Hornets
While nothing is certain, the writing is on the wall that Bobby Portis will be playing elsewhere after one eventful year with the Bucks.
The big man is still pondering his player option worth $3.8 million for next season, but it seems concrete that he will opt out. Portis took a significant pay cut last offseason to sign with the Bucks for a chance to compete, and after securing the title, it seems like he will be looking to cash in after giving the team a much-needed boost off the bench all year.
For teams looking for a stretch-big that will not only score and rebound the basketball but will also hustle on every play, Portis is an ideal player. One such team that looks like it could be a perfect fit for him would be the Charlotte Hornets, who will be looking for reinforcements in the frontcourt this offseason. Despite the team trading for big man Mason Plumlee on draft night, they will need to continue bolstering their size this offseason, and Portis fits their timeline.
Charlotte is a rising team headlined by reigning Rookie of the Year winner LaMelo Ball, who will only get better following a promising first year. With a supporting cast consisting of Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, and Miles Bridges, among others, throwing Portis into that mix would certainly help them in their push for the postseason. They can also offer him a tremendous amount of money as they will be among the teams with significant cap space this offseason.
It will be devastating to see Portis play elsewhere next season in the eventual likelihood that it happens, but fans will always remember his efforts in this title run.