The Milwaukee Bucks haven't done much throughout NBA Free Agency, but that could be the point. Their first two moves have included taking care of their own, re-signing Ousmane Dieng while adding last year's draft and stash, Bogoljub Markokic, to team-friendly deals. So far, it looks like they want to stock up on as many deals like that as possible while strategically keeping other assets close.
Bucks' first moves are quiet, and that's fine
No one should have expected the Milwaukee Bucks to go big-game hunting the second free agency first began—sorry to any fans who wanted LeBron James. With Giannis Antetokounmpo now gone, the Bucks do not have to constantly push all of their chips to the center of the table at every turn. They should still aim to win, but they can go about it differently with this new-look team.
Their first two moves since free agency began have been internal, re-signing Dieng to a fresh three-year deal worth $17.5 million and handing Markovic a four-year pact worth $9.3 million. Both of those deals have team options in the final years. Sure, while not earth-shattering moves, the Bucks picked up a pair of quality young pieces who can bring potential to the next era.
It wouldn't be surprising if this was their approach throughout the early days of free agency. See what other pieces are out on the market and bring them in on controllable and affordable deals.
Bucks' next steps will be fascinating
The Milwaukee Bucks have a lot of assets at their disposal, including a $25.5 million trade exception and a decent amount of spending money. Money is drying up fast around the league, and soon, there will be players out there looking for their next landing spot and having no clear direction. That's where the Bucks could swoop in and get them by utilizing more of their flexibility.
Two names worth keeping an eye on are Jonathan Kuminga and Tari Eason. While the Bucks signing both Ousmane Dieng and Bogoljub Markokic adds to their forward depth, they could use another big name to solidify things. Either player would be a justifiable name to spend some solid money on as the Bucks figure out where they want to go as a team.
For now, it appears that the Milwaukee Bucks are playing the long game, getting minor yet crucial moves out of the way while waiting to see who may be available in time.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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