Ranking Milwaukee Bucks contracts from bargain to nightmare
By Tyler Watts
Valuable now with a questionable future
11. Damian Lillard
Dame is an all-time great point guard, but his production is down a bit in Milwaukee. He is averaging 24.5 points, 6.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in 34.9 minutes per game. The 6’2 guard is one of the best clutch scorers in the league but is shooting just 42.3 percent from the field and 35.0 percent on his threes this season.
Lillard is making $45.6 million this season and has two guaranteed years plus a player option remaining. If the 33-year-old declines further, his contract could swing into negative value. The Bucks are happy to have him and eager to chase a championship, but his deal could age poorly.
10. Jae Crowder
The 6’6 forward returned to Milwaukee on a one-year veteran minimum contract last summer. The 33-year-old can no longer handle a starter’s role and his production has been questionable this season. His versatility and defense still add value to their roster, but the Bucks are unsure how much he can be counted on in the playoffs.
9. Patrick Beverley
Pat Bev’s stats won’t jump off the screen, but his pesky defense and shot-making ability are crucial for the Bucks. They needed a perimeter defender capable of guarding the opposition’s lead ball-handler and bringing some intensity. Milwaukee is 9-4 in Beverley’s first 13 games, and the franchise needs him to play a crucial role in the playoffs.
The Milwaukee Bucks' young talent is still trying to prove they belong in the NBA.