With the 58th and final pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks took Chris Livingston out of Kentucky. Milwaukee really liked Livingston, giving him the richest deal ever for a final pick of a draft, but now, they must decide what to do with him this offseason as the date to guarantee his contract for next season inches closer.
Bucks' Chris Livingston experiment hasn't gone according to plan
When the Bucks took Livingston, it made plenty of sense. An athletic forward with a sturdy build who moves well and rebounds the ball is a dream in today's NBA. Although he was raw and would require some development, it made sense if the Milwaukee Bucks were actually going to take the steps to get him on the court. It hasn't happened that way.
In two regular seasons, Livingston, now 21, is averaging 1.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.2 assists in a mere 4.7 minutes per game. He's been a mop-up duty staple, rarely getting an opportunity to show any development on a consistent basis. The flashes have been on display in the G League, with the forward oftentimes dazzling, but he hasn't earned his keep with Milwaukee.
Livingston's 2025-26 contract becomes guaranteed on July 15, and it will be fascinating to see what they do with him.
Keeping him would create two questions. Do they actually envision him earning time next season, or will he be stuck in the same spectator role? Milwaukee, needing to emphasize athleticism and youth in any move they make this summer, could absolutely take a closer look at Livingston to see what he may have in the tank.
There's also a scenario where the Milwaukee Bucks cut ties with Livingston. Perhaps they use their upcoming 47th overall draft selection on another forward and see too much overlap. Perhaps they land a quality free agent and don't envision Livingston playing a big role for the third straight year. Cutting ties with him would see that historic contract backfire quite a bit.
To be clear, cutting Livingston wouldn't break the bank. It would absolutely go down as another swing and a miss on Jon Horst's resume, but it wouldn't send Milwaukee to their grave. It would just be great if the Milwaukee Bucks could hit on a draft pick, especially one with an unheard of contract, and help develop them into legitimate contributor status.
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