Which Milwaukee Bucks will and won’t be on 2023-24 opening night roster

TIER 2: These Milwaukee Bucks could be dealt only for an upgrade

BOBBY PORTIS JR., AJ GREEN, JAE CROWDER, THANASIS ANTETOKOUNMPO

Bobby Portis is coming off a season where he was a Sixth Man of the Year candidate averaging a near-double-double off the bench. Factor his recent addition to Team USA for the FIBA World Cup and being an absolute energizer off the bench and a fan favorite, it seems unlikely that the Milwaukee Bucks move off of him. But for a better player at his position or a better player period that improves the Bucks’ chances of another title, the Mayor of Milwaukee could be moved.

A.J. Green signed a new contract with Milwaukee this summer after being on a two-way contract last year. After Beasley, Green is easily the best shooter on the Bucks and is only 23 years old. Under Griffin, Green could see some spot minutes for some threes off the bench. But he is not someone the Bucks should remove from trade talks for a more proven player.

Jae Crowder will play his first full season both for the Bucks and in general since 2021-22 this coming season. He was scarcely used by Coach Bud last year, but with him being a proven 3-and-D wing player on two different Finals teams (including the team that lost to the Bucks in 21). But it seems that with him re-signing, he knew he would have an increased role this coming season. But similar to Green being young and unproven, Crowder is older and a proven product. We won’t see Crowder taking any big leaps in his playing and skillset at 33 years old. So again, if an upgrade is there: take it.

Thanasis is solely in this tier and not in the untouchables because despite him being Giannis’ brother, the NBA is a business, after all. If the Bucks present the Greek Freak with a trade proposal that can get him another ring at the cost of his brother, the trigger could be pulled.