Milwaukee Bucks' 3 biggest needs after first wave of free agency

Another center for depth purposes

If the Milwaukee Bucks roll into the season with both Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis, which remains up in the air with both being mentioned in trade rumors, the team could use a third-string big man. They don't want another situation like 2022, where Lopez got hurt early on in the season with a back issue and left the team scrambling to find a serviceable fill-in due to a lack of depth.

After the first wave of free agency, the center market isn't as desirable as it once was. Yet, there are a few names left, such as Precious Achiuwa, Wisconsin Herd alum Wenyen Gabriel or recently waived former 76er Paul Reed, who could all likely be had on cheap, team-friendly deals. They are not flashy names for the Milwaukee Bucks, but they'd be solid depth pieces.

The Bucks were rumored to have an interest in veteran big man Daniel Theis, per The Athletic insider Kelly Iko, showing that they do indeed understand the importance of another big man. Yet, Theis is heading to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he likely will play a bigger role than he would have with the Milwaukee Bucks if they remain as currently constructed, so one cannot blame him.

Again, a trade could also help solve this problem, but there are limited options out there that could be realistic targets. A lot of the more eye-catching targets, like Robert Williams III or Wendell Carter Jr., would require the Bucks to give up one of their current big men salary-wise, meaning this issue would not be resolved.

Of course, with Lopez and Portis both being floated in trade talks, there is a chance that one of them is not on the roster next season, which could alter this argument. For now, we can only talk about the present, and as constructed now, the Milwaukee Bucks could use another backup in the frontcourt. Achiuwa would be the best free agent pickup, but he may be out of the team's price range.