The Milwaukee Bucks will not have a ton of spending money to utilize in 2024 NBA Free Agency, so it will be crucial for them to strike gold on their minimum signings.
They will not be a landing spot for any of the big fish, such as LeBron James or Paul George, but there are a ton of other smaller-scale free agents who should be of interest to them. That said, let us look at one REALISTIC free agent target from every single team across the entire NBA for the Bucks.
Atlanta Hawks - Wesley Matthews
The list begins with an old friend. Right away, the Atlanta Hawks don't have too many soon-to-be free agents who would likely be of great interest to the Bucks outside of Matthews. Going after him would mean bringing back someone the franchise is familiar with, given that he's played for them on two separate occasions.
At 37, Matthews would not help Milwaukee's need for more youth and athleticism, particularly at the wing position. However, he's still undoubtedly got some juice in the tank defensively, as he lays it all out on the line every possession. For a team that struggled so mightily to defend on the perimeter in 2023-24, bringing him back couldn't hurt too much, especially if it's in a smaller role.
In all likelihood, if the Bucks brought back Matthews, it would be for depth purposes. For a team that has suffered countless injuries over the years, too much depth is never a concern. Having him around to mentor and guide the next generation of wings, such as Chris Livingston, Andre Jackson Jr. and MarJon Beauchamp, certainly wouldn't be the worst thing.
Matthews has never been shy about his love for Milwaukee, and if he plans to keep playing, there is likely no place he'd rather finish his NBA career.
Boston Celtics - Oshae Brissett
Sticking with the wing, one player who should be of interest to Milwaukee is Boston's Oshae Brissett. The forward hasn't played an overly prominent role for the Celtics this season, logging 11.5 minutes per game, but he would make for an interesting target due to his height, length and athleticism.
At 6-foot-7, Brissett is capable of playing either forward position, something this team needs badly. For years, bigger wings and forwards have tormented Milwaukee's smaller players, so adding a big forward like Brissett would make some sense, as his height would limit opponents' ability to simply shoot over him every trip down the floor. That will be a recurring theme on this list.
Simultaneously, Brissett could also give the Bucks a nice power forward to utilize in their small-ball lineups. Since P.J. Tucker played the role to perfection way back in 2021, the team hasn't had a proper complementary small-ball four to play next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Brissett wouldn't be a game-changer, but he has the skill and physical tools to be worth some consideration.
For Brissett to hit the open market, he would have to decline his upcoming player option. Given how little he played for the Celtics, it would make sense for him to seek a change of scenery where he may see a more significant role. Once free agency opens, the Bucks could offer him a prove-it deal to showcase his talents on a team that could use a player like him.
Brooklyn Nets - Lonnie Walker IV
Most of the talk surrounding Milwaukee's off-season needs will revolve around the team's holes to patch defensively. Though they should undoubtedly be on the hunt for stout defenders, they could also use some help on the offensive end and in the athleticism department. One player they should have in mind for both is Brooklyn Nets guard Lonnie Walker IV.
Offensively, he's averaged 9.8 points per game while shooting 35.6 percent from the perimeter in his NBA career. That might not seem like much, but the Bucks could use a second-unit sparkplug who is capable of putting points on the board. Outside of Bobby Portis, this bench didn't have many reliable scorers this past season. Walker could help to some degree with numbers like that.
Walker hasn't been able to find a steady home in the NBA, having played for three different teams in three different seasons, but he's always flashed potential. He's an extremely athletic 6-foot-4 guard who could give the Bucks a player to help their woes of getting back in transition and guarding quick wings and guards. The height is somewhat of a concern defensively, but his pros may outweigh that.
At 25 years old, Walker is still very young and could still develop further. If the Bucks could snag him on a minimum deal in free agency, which seems likely after playing a small role in Brooklyn in 2023-24, it would be a low-risk move that could start to address the team's need for youth and athleticism.
Charlotte Hornets - Amari Bailey
A second-round pick of the Charlotte Hornets in the 2023 NBA Draft, Amari Bailey didn't see much of a prominent role this past season. The two-way player appeared in just 10 games for Charlotte, and though it seems likely that they will aim to retain him, perhaps the Milwaukee Bucks could attempt to poach him and add him to their backcourt.
Bailey's most desirable features come on the defensive end. At 6-foot-5, he's taller than most of his peers at the position, and he's a relentless point-of-attack defender, using that to hound opponents and create steals. The Bucks could undeniably use a player like that off the bench, turning the tide from their usual trend of employing undersized backup guards who get targeted defensively.
Offensively, Bailey didn't get to show much at the NBA level, but he dazzled in the G-League as a three-level scorer, averaging 19.3 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 42 percent from distance. That doesn't mean he'll automatically be able to translate that to the next level, but it shows that he's got the tools to provide a spark offensively, in addition to playing relentless defense.
At just 20 years old, Bailey is still incredibly young and has not even scratched the surface of the kind of player he could be. For a Milwaukee team in need of youth, defense and bench scoring, Bailey fits a lot of what this roster is lacking. If they could snag him from Charlotte, it could be an under-the-radar signing that pays off down the line.
Chicago Bulls - Javonte Green
In a perfect world, the Bucks could make a legitimate play for soon to be free agent Patrick Williams of the Chicago Bulls. Yet, those odds are incredibly slim, given that he'll be a restricted free agent - one would think they would have interest in retaining him - so the more realistic target for Milwaukee is Javonte Green.
Green's time with the Bulls was brief, as he came aboard at the end of the season, but he did not let that stop him from making an impact. In 12 games, he averaged 12.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per matchup, shooting 60 percent from the floor and 37 percent from 3-point range. It's a small sample size, certainly, but those are undeniably captivating numbers produced by Green.
The 6-foot-4, 30-year-old wing could give the Bucks a jack of all trades in the second unit. Need some athleticism on the floor? He's got it. Need a switchable defender? He's there. Need a scoring lift? He could provide assistance. Pat Connaughton has played this role for the Bucks in years past, but with his struggles persisting over the past few years, perhaps they could go in another direction.
After playing just 12 games this past season, Green won't be due for a raise, placing him firmly within the Milwaukee Bucks' price range.
Cleveland Cavaliers - Damian Jones
Although most Bucks fans would likely love to get their hands on a young, energetic wing such as Isaac Okoro, he's a restricted free agent, so Milwaukee's chances of doing so are essentially slim. Instead, sticking with the realistic angle, they could add youth at another position, center, by going after Damian Jones.
With Danilo Gallinari incredibly unlikely to return, the Milwaukee Bucks will need to add size and depth in the frontcourt this off-season. Jones fits the mold, as he's a 6-foot-11 center. He's a gifted athlete, flying high for lobs and rebounds. That would be a different type of big man than what the Bucks have had with Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis over the years, which could offer something new.
Although they don't have the athleticism or bounce, something that has made Lopez and Portis so successful in Milwaukee's lineups is their outside shooting. Jones has shown glimpses of being a quality floor spacer, shooting 35.1 percent from deep for his career, but the sample size is small. Perhaps the Bucks could aim to mold him into a stronger outside shooter like they did with Lopez.
In that same vein, they'd need to emphasize his improvement on defense, as it has never been his strong suit. At 28, Jones is not some raw prospect, but he is fairly young and can grow. People tend to forget that Brook Lopez was not much of a defensive threat before he came to Milwaukee. Now, he's been in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation consistently.
If the Bucks need a cheap, young big, Jones could be a low-risk pick.
Dallas Mavericks - Derrick Jones Jr.
Derrick Jones Jr. has proven to be one of the NBA's best bang-for-your-buck signings this season. Signing with the Dallas Mavericks on a minimum deal last off-season, the wing has worked his way up into the S-tier of role players, serving as a sort of glue guy for Dallas. He checks off countless boxes for the Milwaukee Bucks and should be high on their wish list of free-agent wings.
First and foremost, he'd give the team an experienced wing with tremendous athleticism. Known as "Airplane Mode Jones" and "Flight 55" for his high-flying dunks and blocks, Jones would be useful in giving this team a much-needed athlete. At 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, he's not the biggest wing, but he's got the tools to be a solid, switchable defender, something this team desperately needs.
He's been the ultimate do-it-all wing for Dallas in the postseason, averaging an eye-popping line of 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 assists per game while playing tremendous defense. One concern the Bucks may have about Jones is his struggles with the three-ball, as he's been in the low 30s for most of his career, but given everything else he does, it would be worth the risk.
The biggest potential roadblock in luring Jones away from Dallas is the fact that he's likely played his way into a hefty raise this off-season. He's had an incredible playoff run, and teams with their share of spending money might be willing to offer a nice check. The Bucks simply do not have that luxury, so the odds of courting him over these other teams are slim.
Denver Nuggets - Reggie Jackson
The Bucks would love to get their hands on Denver Nuggets swingman Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, but the odds of him declining his player option and taking a near $15 million discount to come play for Milwaukee is unlikely. Instead, the next most realistic option in Denver is guard Reggie Jackson.
Milwaukee going after Jackson wouldn't be too surprising, as they have been linked to him before. Per The Athletic's John Hollinger (subscription required), the Bucks were a possible suitor for the guard before he signed with Denver last year. If he declines his upcoming player option, the Bucks could go after him once again, reigniting their interest.
With so much uncertainty surrounding Patrick Beverley's return - more on him later - the Bucks may have to continue their yearly tradition of revamping the backcourt. Jackson could give Milwaukee an experienced replacement capable of providing scoring, playmaking and perimeter shooting. He can't provide the defense like Beverley, but he'd give them a bigger boost on the other side of things.
Jackson will first have to make a decision with his player option. It seems likely that he could accept his player option and stick with Denver, so the Bucks might not even get a chance to pursue him. Yet, he's worth mentioning regardless.
Detroit Pistons - James Wiseman
It's been a rough four-year start to James Wiseman's career. The former No. 2 overall pick hasn't been able to find much stability, unable to get consistent minutes after missing the entire 2021-22 season with a knee injury and being traded to the Detroit Pistons the following year. He played a career-low 17.3 minutes per game this past season, and his career is at a strange point.
With their need for frontcourt depth, perhaps the Bucks could take a flyer on Wiseman. If the Bucks do enter next season with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis on the roster, it would be hard to find a better frontcourt room for the big man to learn from. At 23, he's still so young and has plenty of time to overcome this early career adversity and find his footing in this league.
After being dealt to the Pistons mid-way through last season, Wiseman saw the most prominent role of his career, and he thrived, averaging 12.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 24 games. He has the tools to be a quality center at the next level with his rebounding, interior defense and athleticism, all things this Milwaukee Bucks team would welcome.
The big downside with Wiseman is that he isn't much of a floor spacer, as the 7-footer has attempted only 60 triples in three seasons. Yet, he is just 23, so there is undoubtedly still no shortage of time for him to improve his game and possibly add that to his arsenal.
Wiseman is set to hit restricted free agency, and after playing a minimal role with Detroit, it feels like they may cut him loose. If the Bucks could pick him up on a cheap deal, it would be low-risk, even if it is just to add depth. It would be a nice change to have some youth in the frontcourt rather than relying on veterans with very little left in the tank, like this team has consistently done over the years.
Golden State Warriors - Gary Payton II
How about a reunion? Gary Payton II played 18 games with the Milwaukee Bucks to begin his career in the Jason Kidd era, so he's familiar with the area.
It must be noted that Payton has a player option worth $8.7 million next season, so the odds of him turning that down and inking a minimum with the Milwaukee Bucks or anyone else are incredibly slim. Still, he's the most reasonable free agent target for Milwaukee due to what he brings to the table and the team's limited financial resources.
When he's on the floor, Payton's most valuable asset is perimeter defense, as he's a relentless player in that regard, hounding opposing guards. The 6-foot-2 veteran also boasts tremendous athleticism, which is, of course, very high on Milwaukee's wish list as well. He could give the Bucks a combo guard who can make plays defensively every trip down the floor.
Payton showed how valuable he could be when he was with the Golden State Warriors in 2021-22. Playing in 71 games, the guard blew most of his previous career bests out of the water. Doing all of the dirty work defensively while making hustle plays constantly, Payton helped the team earn yet another title that season.
The most prominent concern with Payton is his injury history. He's played more than 45 games in a single season just once in his career, and it was during his title-winning year with the Warriors. For a team that has not been able to shake the injury bug over the last several years, adding a player who has a tough time staying on the floor might not be wise.
Still, if they could somehow, someway get him on a minimum, it would make some sense.
Houston Rockets - Jae'Sean Tate
The Houston Rockets will be tasked with deciding whether or not they should accept Jae'Sean Tate's club option worth $6.9 million this off-season. Coming off a year where he saw the fewest minutes of his career on average, it wouldn't be surprising if they let him go. In that case, the Milwaukee Bucks would be wise to pounce on him.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Tate has utilized his build rather well defensively throughout his career, serving as a Swiss Army Knife who can play either forward position while guarding players of all shapes and sizes. He could slide seamlessly into Milwaukee's smaller lineups due to his versatility and ability to switch defensively, two things that would make him an incredibly valuable piece.
It's a tad strange that Tate has fallen out of Houston's rotation over the last two years after such a strong start to his career. In his first two seasons between 2020-22, he averaged 11.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He's still just 28, and perhaps if he was given a key role once again, he could get back to producing at that level.
In the event that Jae'Sean Tate hits the market, the Bucks should be all over him. Snagging him on a "prove it" deal could be a massive signing. This could possibly end up being like the aforementioned signing of Derrick Jones Jr. for Dallas in the sense that it seems like a quiet move at first but pays off in a big way down the line.
Indiana Pacers - Jalen Smith
The Milwaukee Bucks certainly won't be among the top suitors for Indiana's Pascal Siakam, given the hefty raise he will likely earn. Yet, they should be eyeing one of their forwards in Jalen Smith. It would not be the first time the Bucks have been linked to Smith, as Jake Fischer, then with Bleacher Report, mentioned that Smith was a possible target for them in 2022.
Again, the Bucks must add help behind Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis this off-season in some way, shape or form. Smith would fit the billing, giving the team a versatile, 6-foot-10 big man who can play both the center and power forward position. Having just turned 24, he could learn behind those two - if they are still on the roster next season - and perhaps become a long-term option.
Despite playing the second-fewest minutes per game in his four-year career, Smith arguably just had the best season of his career. Smith averaged 9.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and an assist while shooting a blazing 42.4 percent from deep. That shooting could be an outlier, given that he's buried 33.5 of his career triples, but if he can sustain it, it would make him a perfect fit next to Giannis in the frontcourt.
For Smith to hit the open market, he'd have to decline his upcoming player option worth $5 million. Perhaps he would if he thought there was an opportunity for greater playing time outside of Indiana. Only time will tell, but the Milwaukee Bucks should have an eye on him.
Los Angeles Clippers - Daniel Theis
The LA Clippers have a handful of eye-catching soon-to-be free agents, such as James Harden and Paul George, but they won't be playing in Milwaukee anytime soon. Instead, one Clipper who could be a realistic option for the Bucks is Daniel Theis.
The 32-year-old would be yet another viable option to boost Milwaukee's center depth, though the thought of adding a 6-foot-8 big man might turn some off. To an extent, that's valid, but despite the height limitations he possesses, Theis checks off a lot of boxes for what the Bucks need on both sides of the basketball court.
Defensively, he's never let the size mismatch stop him from being a quality matchup for opposing big men. He's also nimble at his size, which could make life easier for the Bucks when they are switching, an area they tend to struggle with when Portis and Lopez and on the court. He can also provide some legitimate rim protection when needed.
Offensively, Theis has never been one to light it up, but he's capable of putting points on the board. He's got a 3-point shot in his arsenal, he's just never managed to hone in on it consistently. He did shoot 36.6 percent from deep this past season, the second-best mark of his NBA career, so he does have the makings to be a nice fit on that end for Milwaukee.
If he's willing to ditch Los Angeles and take a cheap deal, he could be a nice fit for the center-hungry Milwaukee Bucks.
Los Angeles Lakers - Jaxson Hayes
The Bucks need youth, athleticism and some depth at the center position. Why not knock out three birds with one stone by going after Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers? If Hayes declines an upcoming player option worth $2.3 million, Milwaukee would make plenty of sense as a new home for the big man.
Hayes would give the team an athletic 7-footer who can make highlight plays with dunks or blocks. He'd offer a much different style of play compared to Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis, getting out in transition and catching lobs right at the hoop. Having a spry young big man like that could offer this team something fresh to utilize, which could do them good.
The big concern with Hayes fit-wise is his inability to shoot the long ball. He has just one season of shooting 30 or more 3-pointers in his five-year career, which could make him a bit of an odd fit in lineups alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. That is valid, but perhaps this team could have him try to follow the Brook Lopez path and shoot more and more upon his arrival in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee needs to add center depth this off-season in some capacity, so pursuing Hayes wouldn't be out of left field, especially if they trade away their draft picks and are unable to draft one. If they could get him on a minimum, it'd be a solid move to bulk up their frontcourt depth and add a few key attributes this roster needs.
Memphis Grizzlies - Lamar Stevens
Wings and forwards will continue to dominate this list. With the Bucks looking to shore up their length and height on the wing, Lamar Stevens could be worth a phone call after a strong showing with the Memphis Grizzlies to close the season.
After scarcely playing for the Boston Celtics to open the NBA season, Stevens found new life when he joined the Grizzlies mid-season. In 19 games, he averaged 11.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 23 minutes per game, all of which were new career highs. On top of the statistical production, he provided quality defense, utilizing his 6-foot-6, 230-pound stature to defend a handful of positions.
With the ability to play either forward position and serve as a versatile, switchable defender, Stevens has the tools to be Milwaukee's next version of P.J. Tucker. As mentioned, during Milwaukee's title run, it was Tucker who oftentimes welcomed the tough assignments defensively, and his ability to guard multiple positions was crucial. The Bucks haven't had much of that since, and Stevens could help.
Stevens, 26, will likely be looking at a short-term deal this off-season. It wouldn't be surprising if he took a "prove-it" deal to join a contender and show that he could help them, hoping to earn a raise in free agency next year. If so, the Bucks should oblige, relishing in the opportunity to bring aboard an eye-catching young forward who can play defense at the bare minimum.
Miami Heat - Delon Wright
There's a decent shot the Bucks could be in the market for a new backup point guard this off-season. If so, they should go for a defensive-minded one, and a player who fits the bill is Delon Wright, coming off a brief stint with the Miami Heat to close the season.
Wright's most desirable attributes are his strong defensive ability and height, which go hand-in-hand. He stands at 6-foot-5, giving him a height advantage over most guards while also allowing him to take on smaller wings. For years, the Bucks have typically rolled with undersized backup point guards, which has hurt them at times defensively, so adding one with height could be a nice change of pace.
Offensively, Wright is capable of playing both point and shooting guard, which could make him a very valuable cog. He'd be capable of sharing the floor with Damian Lillard and focusing more on defensive duties but also taking on ball-handling duties when Lillard catches his breath. That, paired with his height, makes him a desirable fit.
Coming off one of his least-productive seasons, Wright is likely looking at a minimum contract for his next deal. That would be a fine move for Milwaukee, especially if they are in the hunt for ball-handling in the second unit.
Milwaukee Bucks - Patrick Beverley
The Milwaukee Bucks have five impending free agents, and Patrick Beverley is the one they should be the most interested in retaining. The guard played quality basketball after coming aboard via trade, working his way into the starting lineup by the end of the season. It would make sense to keep some continuity in the backcourt by re-signing him.
Obviously, Beverley is mostly known for his perimeter defense, which was valuable during his time in Milwaukee. The team will need as much of that as possible next season, so keeping Beverley for that alone would be reasonable. He had a solid showing for the Bucks in the postseason with his scoring, 3-point shooting and defense, though it was a short trip across six games.
One might think this is an open and shut case and that Beverley will ink a new deal swiftly, but it's far from that simple. On a recent episode of "The Pat Bev Podcast," Beverley flat-out stated he feels deserving of a raise. Given Milwaukee's limited spending money, retaining him could be far easier said than done.
If the Bucks could get Beverley on a minimum, this should be an easy decision. However, if he's intent on earning a raise, he could bolt. That's why players such as Delon Wright or Reggie Jackson should at least be under consideration over the next couple of months.
Minnesota Timberwolves - Kyle Anderson
The Bucks going after Kyle Anderson would essentially go against the entire idea of them needing to get both younger and more athletic. After all, his nickname is "Slo Mo" for a reason. Yet, even if he will not be throwing down any thunderous dunks or swatting shots into the fourth row, he does possess a few qualities that could help Milwaukee.
Anderson's biggest boon is his defensive versatility. At 6-foot-9, he's capable of playing/guarding either forward position. As talked about ad nauseam, the Milwaukee Bucks need an infusion of that. The forward could seamlessly make Milwaukee's lineups more versatile, particularly when they go to their strategy of utilizing Giannis Antetokounmpo at the center position.
Over the last two years with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anderson has also reached new heights as a facilitator and backup floor general, averaging 4.5 assists per game. With that type of ball-handling and playmaking at his height, Anderson could play a role similar to Joe Ingles when he was with the team while providing much better defense simultaneously.
If the Bucks could snag him on a minimum, they would still need to find youth and athleticism via other avenues, but this would be a nice pickup regardless.
New Orleans Pelicans - Naji Marshall
A lot of what was just said about Kyle Anderson will be repeated with Naji Marshall, except the latter would actually help with the team's need for youth.
Marshall, 26, just finished up his fourth year with the New Orleans Pelicans and showed promise in his 66 games. At 6-foot-7, he's yet another lengthy forward who could give the Milwaukee Bucks a boost of versatility and switch-ability on the perimeter. On offense, he'd primarily be relied on to shoot from the perimeter, and he just shot a career-best 38.7 percent from deep this past season, a good sign.
The Bucks could likely find a way to snag Marshall on a "prove-it" deal. He's still fairly young, so as a lot of players around this age do, he could ink a short-term, cheap deal in hope of cashing out the following free agency period if they play well enough. An example of this is Milwaukee Bucks wing Malik Beasley, who is likely to earn a raise this off-season from someone after playing well in 2023-24.
In terms of the most realistic targets for the Milwaukee Bucks to pursue in free agency, Marshall ranks high on the list. For a team that is desperate for wings, they should give him legitimate consideration.
New York Knicks - Alec Burks
No, Bucks fans, OG Anunoby will not be declining his $18 million player option to sign a minimum deal with Milwaukee. Fans need to set their sights on someone more realistic when looking at players from the New York Knicks, and one player who fits the mold is Alec Burks.
Immediately, Burks would give the Bucks another 6-foot-6 wing, which is already a positive. However, he also could be an offensive sparkplug off of the bench. Averaging 10.8 points while knocking down 38.3 percent of his triples in his career, he can put points on the board from everywhere on the floor, but especially from behind the arc.
The Bucks could use another shot-creator off of the bench to prevent the flow of their offense from going stagnant when the starters go out, something they are used to over the past few years. He and Bobby Portis could be a nice one-two punch in that regard. Burks won't light things up on defense, but he can make plays on that end here and there.
Burks showed how valuable he could be in the NBA Playoffs, stepping up for a beat-up Knicks team by averaging 14.8 points while shooting 42.9 percent from deep. Another reserve capable of putting up numbers like that outside of Bobby Portis could make a world of difference for Milwaukee. If Burks is willing to listen, the Milwaukee Bucks must call.
OKC Thunder - Gordon Hayward
With Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe and Lindy Waters III all holding club options this off-season, none of them will likely be available to opposing teams in free agency. Outside of them, the Thunder have a handful of veterans set to explore free agency, which is no the most ideal. Yet, one who could make some level of sense for the Bucks is Gordon Hayward.
There's no mistake that Hayward had a horrible close to the season with the OKC Thunder after being shipped there at the trade deadline. It was an awkward fit that never panned out. However, in the prior 25 games with the Charlotte Hornets, he averaged 14.5 points, 4.6 assists and 1.1 steals per contest, showing that he still could produce at a high level.
Hayward could assist in giving the Bucks another versatile weapon off of the bench. He's a strong scorer, shooter and facilitator, all of which could beef up this Milwaukee second unit. As previously said, the Bucks could use another reserve sparkplug offensively, and Hayward could help while also providing decent size at 6-foot-7.
If the Milwaukee Bucks could nab Hayward on a minimum, which is a possibility after his brutal close to the season, this would be a low-risk, high-reward signing. He doesn't fill the voids of athletic wings or defensive-minded forwards, but his offensive arsenal is captivating, especially considering how devoid of offensive production Milwaukee's non-Portis reserves can be.
Orlando Magic - Gary Harris
Among the long list of guards and wings the Milwaukee Bucks should target is Gary Harris, who just finished up the season with the Orlando Magic.
At 6-foot-4, Harris wouldn't be the big wing defender the team needs, but he's still a strong defender at the guard position who could shore up Milwaukee's perimeter D. On top of that, he's a solid scorer and shooter, averaging 11 points per game while knocking in 37 percent from deep on 4.2 attempts for his NBA career.
Two-way play like that could be a massive boost for Milwaukee's bench. Again, outside of Portis, they have lacked another capable scorer for some time, and Harris could help provide a spark, primarily as an outside shooter. Milwaukee's defensive woes, particularly on the perimeter, certainly do not need much rehashing. Harris could help there.
After playing the smallest role of his career since his rookie campaign in 2014-15, Harris is likely at least going to ponder leaving the Magic this off-season. At 29, he's still young and could be a strong candidate for a prove-it deal, similar to what Beasley signed last off-season. In fact, with Beasley likely to leave, Harris could be a nice replacement.
One concern with Harris is that he has only played over 60 games once since the 2018-19 season. For a team that is constantly banged up, bringing aboard another player who has dealt with injuries over the years may be head-scratching. However, if they can get him on a team-friendly, short deal, bringing him aboard may be worth the gamble.
Philadelphia 76ers - De'Anthony Melton
For many, Kelly Oubre Jr. would take this spot. Although the Bucks should certainly have him on their radar, he's been talked about by this writer ad nauseam. so it felt right to switch it up, especially when the Philadelphia 76ers have another eye-catching free agent target for the Bucks, and that is guard De'Anthony Melton.
Perhaps Melton's most interesting feature is his wingspan, which measures in at 6-foot-8 despite him standing at just 6-foot-2. That frame has helped mold him into a pesky defender, matching up against opponents of all shapes and sizes. He's also no slouch offensively, averaging double-digit points while shooting 36 percent or better on his 3-pointers in each of the last three seasons.
At just 26, Melton is also still rather young; in Milwaukee, he'd be among the youngest players in town, helping address their need for youth. If the team is hunting for backup point guard help, Melton is one of the best names set to be available once free agency begins.
Despite his desirability, the thought of Melton landing in Milwaukee may be wishful thinking. Even if he was limited to just 38 games this past season due to injury, a team with a need for guard depth and a good amount of spending money could easily outbid the Milwaukee Bucks. Still, that shouldn't stop the front office from doing their due diligence.
Phoenix Suns - Josh Okogie
Royce O'Neale would be an obvious name to put here, as he'd be an excellent fit in Milwaukee, but the true odds of the Bucks actually having a chance at prying him away from the Phoenix Suns with their limited spending money seem slim. To make things more realistic, Josh Okogie will take his place on Milwaukee's wish list.
With a limited offensive repertoire, holding career averages of 6.3 points on 40.2 percent shooting from the floor and 29.3 percent from deep, Okogie has made a living as a defensive-minded energy player. He's constantly hustling, whether it's to fight a loose ball, get back in transition or apply pressure to one of the opposing top scorers on the floor. They call him "Non-Stop" for a reason.
The Bucks could use a spark like Okogie in the second unit. It was clear this last season that veterans such as Pat Connaughton and Jae Crowder just didn't have the speed and athleticism to stick on the court like the Bucks needed. The 25-year-old could be a nice alternative, giving them an athlete who's always willing to do the dirty work for the betterment of the team.
Given that he played the second-fewest minutes per game of his career this past season, it wouldn't be shocking if Okogie declined his upcoming player option with Phoenix to see what else is out there. He'd essentially be making the minimum if he stayed in Phoenix, so it's not like he'd have to sacrifice a good chunk of change to come to Milwaukee, as their offer would be similar.
Portland Trail Blazers - Moses Brown
After an excellent close to the season, Dalano Banton will almost certainly have his club option picked up by the Portland Trail Blazers this off-season. They don't have too many free agents outside of him, but the most eye-catching is Moses Brown, especially for a Bucks teams with questions at the center position heading into the off-season.
Since going undrafted in 2019, Brown has bounced around the league, unable to find a permanent place to call home. During his five NBA seasons, Brown has only seen a prominent role in one (back in 2020-21), and he averaged 8.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 21.4 minutes per game in that span. He's still just 24, so he's got plenty of room to keep developing.
With the Bucks needing more depth behind Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis, Brown, who stands at a towering 7-foot-2, would make for an interesting addition. He'd give the Bucks a young big man who could be used situationally while learning from two other quality big men. Again, he's still fairly young, so he could potentially grow into a long-term fit if he keeps developing.
On a cheap, short-term deal, this would be about as low-risk as it gets for the Milwaukee Bucks as they seek depth in the frontcourt.
Sacramento Kings - Alex Len
Bucks fans, Malik Monk is not coming to Milwaukee, as welcoming as it would be for them to poach the Sacramento Kings shooting guard. Instead, sticking with center depth, Alex Len isn't the most star-studded name, but he could certainly give the Bucks another experienced big man to add to a roster that needs another body in the frontcourt.
This wouldn't be a game-changer for the Bucks. Outside of early on in his NBA career, Len has been a backup for most of his playing days, and he'd follow the same path in Milwaukee. Adding Len to their roster would give the Bucks a 7-foot big man who can grab boards and protect the rim at a fine level. At 30, he's still decently young as well.
Among the many other centers featured on this list, Len may not be the most desirable name, but as the 13th, 14th or 15th man on this roster, there wouldn't be too much to dislike. On top of that, he's not getting more than the minimum financially, so the Bucks wouldn't have to invest too much into him in that regard. It wouldn't be a flashy move.
Len should be nowhere near the top of Milwaukee's wish list, but in terms of Kings on the market, he's among the most reasonable fits.
San Antonio Spurs - Cedi Osman
Another team, another lengthy forward. This one would make some sense, given that Jake Fischer reported back in 2022 that the Bucks were among teams to make a phone call about Cedi Osman and his trade availability back when he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Milwaukee's need for more wings and forwards is still prominent years later.
The 6-foot-7 Osman would give Milwaukee needed size and a backup to Khris Middleton. He's proven to be a solid piece throughout his NBA career, primarily on the offensive end, where he's averaged 9.3 points while shooting 35.7 percent from distance. Defense has never been his strongest suit, but he's got the tools to hold his own on that end.
Osman could be useful in giving Milwaukee another offensive contributor in the second unit, primarily spacing the floor with his outside shooting. His size and length could make him an interesting player the coaching staff could use to create different lineup combinations. If he could buy a bit more into the defensive side of things, Osman could be a great fit.
After playing the fewest minutes per game of his career since his rookie season, Osman will not be a top-billing free agent this off-season. If the Bucks could get him for cheap, it would be reasonable to bring him aboard.
Toronto Raptors - Gary Trent Jr.
This might be the most unrealistic entry on the entire list. However, the Toronto Raptors don't have too many other free agents who fit what the Bucks need. Immanuel Quickley would be great, but he's among the most sought-after restricted free agents, so that's not happening. Bruce Brown has an upcoming club option that will likely be picked up to be used in trades.
Gary Trent Jr. is an unrestricted free agent and would be an interesting fit with this roster, giving them an electric outside shooter and pesky defender. The 6-foot-5, 25-year-old Trent would help start to fill the team's need for more wings and youth on this roster.
A career 38.6 percent 3-point shooter, Trent would thrive alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard due to the abundance of open perimeter looks he'd get nightly if he was used in the Malik Beasley role. Defense should be the team's priority, but if they can get a decent defender who can also put up double-digit points nightly, that wouldn't hurt either.
Trent is unrealistic because he's likely going to get a bigger offer from someone else. However, if this somehow turns out to be a Kelly Oubre Jr. situation where he doesn't get that huge deal and inks a short-term deal like he did last off-season, the Milwaukee Bucks should pounce. It's not the likeliest scenario, but it should not be ruled out entirely.
Utah Jazz - Kris Dunn
If the Milwaukee Bucks are hunting for Patrick Beverley replacements, Kris Dunn should be near the top of the list. The former fifth-overall pick just finished up a strong year with the Utah Jazz and might be seeking a new home in free agency.
Dunn's most prominent strength is his perimeter defense. Though he stands at 6-foot-3 and could be hunted by bigger guards and wings, he typically holds his own with his excellent perimeter defense. He's never made an All-Defensive team, but there has been some chatter about the guard having a strong case on separate occasions over the years.
Dunn would fit seamlessly with Milwaukee, serving as a backup point guard who can provide a spark on defense while also scoring, passing and shooting the long ball. Having just turned 30, the guard would also help the Bucks get younger at the position. There's not much to dislike.
The biggest question mark with Dunn is what he is seeking in free agency. Does he want a multi-year deal? A chance to contend? A starting role? Obviously, the Milwaukee Bucks could not offer him all of that, but they could give him a chance to contend on a minimum deal to showcase his talent, which could help him ink a bigger deal the following off-season.
Washington Wizards - Tyus Jones
The Washington Wizards will have four players hit the free agent pool this off-season, and it's tough to imagine the Bucks landing any of them. However, among the bunch, Tyus Jones makes the most sense as a target and someone who would interest the Milwaukee Bucks, though it is still a stretch to think he could be in green next season.
Over the years, Jones has proven to be one of the best backup point guards in the NBA. He's an elite passer, setting up his teammates extremely well while rarely turning the ball over. He's also a capable scorer and perimeter shooter. He showed all of this on a greater scale this past season in his first year as a full-time starting point guard, putting up career bests in several categories.
Jones would be sent back to the second unit in Milwaukee, and it would be hard to find a better floor general to lead this bench brigade. He's not an elite defender. At 6-foot-1, there would be concerns about him getting targeted on that side of the ball, something the Bucks know all too well with their backup guards, but he can be a pest on that end.
Ultimately, the Bucks will almost certainly not be employing Tyus Jones next season, as welcoming as that would be. Some team looking for their point guard of the future will likely be willing to pay up to get him, and the Milwaukee Bucks simply cannot offer him that.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.