Predicting the Bucks' perfect starting lineup after ideal offseason

C: Brook Lopez

The Bucks fired Mike Budenholzer after their first-round playoff exit in 2023 and brought in Adrian Griffin. Their new head coach attempted to pull Lopez out of his preferred drop coverage. It did not work, and the Bucks quickly shifted back. It was one of the many things that resulted in Griffin being fired after just 43 games.

Lopez averaged 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks in 30.5 minutes per game this season. He appeared in 79 contests, but how much longer can he keep it up? The 7’1 big man turned 36 in April and could decline at any moment.

Lopez is the most likely of the Bucks' four stars to be traded. He is set to make $23 million next season in the final year of his contract. Milwaukee will struggle to trade him for an upgrade given his age and expiring deal, but do not be surprised if they test the market.

Will the Milwaukee Bucks get pressured into making another bold move? Giannis Antetokounmpo talked about continuity, but it is a long offseason. As other teams improve, the Greek Freak may force his franchise to do something. It won’t be easy, but that is the price of having one of the best players on the planet. In an ideal world, the Bucks run it back with a new small forward and continuity allows them to be a title contender.