The Milwaukee Bucks saw their 2023-24 NBA season conclude with a loss to the Indiana Pacers in six games in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
It's the second straight season Milwaukee has been bounced out in the first round, with health being an incredibly prominent factor in their demise. Now, the Bucks head into the off-season with plenty of question marks that need answering, largely focusing on roster construction and how they can get back to the mountaintop of title contention.
With all of that said, let's dive into a few prominent talking points.
Bucks free agents
Unlike in years past, the Bucks will not have any of their top players set to hit the free agent market, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton all locked up. Pat Connaughton, Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez are all also under contract, so the top half of the roster is essentially set heading into the off-season. Here's a look at the five impending free agents.
Patrick Beverley - The Bucks picked up Patrick Beverley at the trade deadline, and he played solid basketball over the final few months. Milwaukee needed a perimeter defender and a spark, and he delivered both. Of all their free agents, the Bucks should aim to retain Beverley the most, given how well he fits in with this group on the court, especially if they can get him for cheap.
Malik Beasley - It would be shocking if Malik Beasley was back in green next season. He came to the Bucks on a one-year deal, and it was always expected that he'd aim to cash out in 2024 free agency. Given his 3-point shooting, some team with plenty of spending money will throw a big check his way, and he'll likely take it. That team will not be the Milwaukee Bucks.
Jae Crowder - The Jae Crowder trade can now be classified as one of the biggest disappointments of the modern Bucks era. In back-to-back playoff runs, he could hardly get on the floor. Now, it would be stunning if he returned for a third season as he hits free agency. He will likely aim to go elsewhere and earn a shot at more playing time.
Danilo Gallinari - Although he wasn't a difference-maker, Danilo Gallinari showed some glimpses during the Bucks' playoff run. Still, it's not enough for the team to go out of their way to retain him for another year. Gallinari confirmed that he will not be retiring, but it would be surprising if he was back with the Milwaukee Bucks next season.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo - Death, taxes and Thanasis Antetokounmpo returning to the Bucks on a one-year deal. As is tradition, it seems likely that Thanasis could return on a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum. As always, some fans will be outraged, as the 15th man on the roster is quite a hot topic of discussion, but this transaction should be expected.