With Damian Lillard expected to potentially miss the entire 2025–26 season and the Milwaukee Bucks potentially facing changes at several key positions, the front office may look to free agents who have previously played under Doc Rivers — players he trusts, understands, and has a track record with. Here are four possible targets for the Bucks this offseason, all with ties to Rivers.
Matisse Thybulle
One of the league’s most disruptive defenders, Matisse Thybulle has a player option for the upcoming season. If he opts out, he could be an ideal fit for a Milwaukee Bucks team that has lacked a true point-of-attack defender since trading away Jrue Holiday.
The 6-foot-5 wing made the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2020–21, despite averaging just 20 minutes per game. He steals the ball like no other, averaging 2.68 steals per 36 minutes over his career, the highest of any player since he entered the league in 2019.
Thybulle played under Rivers in Philadelphia from 2020 to 2023 but struggled to earn consistent playing time due to his offensive limitations. Since being traded to Portland, however, he has shown notable improvement, shooting 36.8 percent from three across two and a half seasons — a significant jump from the 31.1 percent he shot in Philly under Rivers.
He also shares a connection with Lillard from their half-season together in Portland, and he could provide Milwaukee with versatile, switchable defense on the perimeter. With Portland’s wing rotation already deep and Thybulle missing significant time last season due to knee and ankle injuries, the 27-year-old could be available at a reduced price, down from the $11 million he made last season.
Chris Paul
With Lillard sidelined, Milwaukee could use a veteran to stabilize the offense. Chris Paul, who played arguably the best basketball of his career under Rivers with the LA Clippers from 2013 to 2017, would be a solid option.
Now 40, Paul is no longer the explosive scorer he once was, but he remains one of the smartest point guards in the NBA — a player capable of organizing an offense, maximizing big men in pick-and-rolls, and knocking down catch-and-shoot threes.
While his days as an All-NBA defender are behind him, Paul’s high basketball IQ allows him to remain a serviceable team defender. He could also serve as a mentor for the Bucks’ younger players, while helping Giannis Antetokounmpo refine his screening and off-ball movement — an area where the two-time MVP has room to grow.
Paul signed a one-year, $10 million deal with San Antonio last season and likely won’t command much more this summer. One variable, however, is his personal life. Paul has openly discussed missing time with his children, who live in California. Whether he would relocate to the Midwest remains to be seen.
Andre Drummond
With Brook Lopez’s future in Milwaukee uncertain, the Bucks could look for a more affordable alternative at the center position. Andre Drummond, who has a player option with the 76ers, could be that answer — and he has a longstanding relationship with Rivers dating back to his high school days.
Drummond, a two-time All-Star, isn’t the shooter or rim protector that Lopez is, but he’s one of the most prolific rebounders in NBA history. His 16.32 rebounds per 36 minutes rank third all-time, behind only legends Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell.
During his stint under Rivers in Philadelphia, Drummond averaged 6.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and two assists in just 18 minutes per game. While his offensive game is limited primarily to the paint, his ability to finish inside and defend more mobile bigs in pick-and-roll situations could be a valuable asset for Milwaukee’s second unit.
Drummond made $5 million last season, and if he opts out, the Milwaukee Bucks could offer him a similar deal for a defined role.
De’Anthony Melton
Another former Sixer under Rivers, De’Anthony Melton will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Melton started 58 games in the 2022–23 season and was a key perimeter defender for Philadelphia, providing a defensive buffer alongside James Harden and Tyrese Maxey.
At 6-foot-3, Melton is known for his on-ball defense and floor spacing. He owns a career 37 percent mark from beyond the arc and hit a career-best 41.2 percent from three in 2020–21. Last season, he averaged 10.3 points, 2.8 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 20 minutes per game before a sprained ACL derailed his campaign.
Injuries have been a concern — Melton has played just 44 games over the last two seasons — but if healthy, he could help patch Milwaukee’s perimeter defense and contribute as a spot starter or key reserve. He made roughly $13 million last season and could come cheaper given his recent injury history.