The Milwaukee Bucks shook the NBA world on Wednesday afternoon when they traded for Damian Lillard. The seven-time All-Star wanted to leave Portland, but few believed the Bucks had the assets to pull off the deal. They had to part with Jrue Holiday, but Dame is one of the league’s best scorers and a top 75 player in NBA history. Milwaukee increased their championship odds and proved to Giannis Antetokounmpo that they are all-in.
The Bucks were forced to give up two starters plus an unprotected first-round draft pick in 2029 and two first-round swaps. It was a hefty price to pay, but that is what teams do when building around one of the best players in the world. Dame solves the Bucks’ late-game offensive woes and makes Milwaukee the most feared team in the league.
Giving up multiple players for Dame hurt the Bucks’ depth, left them over the second tax apron, and without a first-round draft pick to trade. Milwaukee created a few holes on their roster, and they could come back to bite them in this championship or bust season.
Holes Milwaukee Bucks must fill to win the title in 2024
3. Backup point guard
Damian Lillard averages over 36 minutes per game for his career, but the Bucks need someone running the offense when he heads to the bench. The duties will fall on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, but having another player who can create for others would be preferred.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports linked the Bucks to Cameron Payne to fill their backup point guard void. George Hill, Ish Smith, and Goran Dragic all remain free agents as well. It is not the best group, but Milwaukee is just looking for someone who can keep things rolling for 12 minutes each night.
The Milwaukee Bucks have larger issues to tackle, but getting a backup point guard to round out their rotation should be on general manager Jon Horst’s to-do list.