On paper, one could argue that the Milwaukee Bucks had their most talented roster in a long time for the 2024-25 NBA season, but there's a difference when it comes to actually performing.
Injuries certainly factored into it, but a second consecutive first-round loss to the rival Indiana Pacers exposed several flaws this group had. Now, heading into the NBA offseason, newly extended general manager Jon Horst will have the task of tweaking this group as he sorts through which free agents to retain, which to let go, which trades to ponder and much more.
That said, as Horst prepares, let us rank the positions he must prioritize.
No. 5 - Power forward
The Milwaukee Bucks currently have four players scheduled to officially be under contract next year; three of them are power forwards. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyle Kuzma and Tyler Smith all being on the team would give Milwaukee sufficient depth. Kuzma played out of position for much of the year, so perhaps the Bucks can look to use him more as a reserve four next season. Smith is young but has the tools to help this team if he can take another step.
No. 4 - Shooting guard
The two-guard position will undoubtedly be important this offseason, and it all starts with retaining an electric wing in Gary Trent Jr. With access to the midlevel exception, the Bucks can offer the guard an eye-catching raise, so bringing him back seems feasible. Milwaukee can also guarantee the contracts of AJ Green and Andre Jackson Jr. to keep two low-cost contributors. For depth, Pat Connaughton's likely return could be the cherry on top once he accepts his $9.4 million player option.
No. 3 - Small forward
The Milwaukee Bucks don't have a small forward right now. Sure, they could mix and match a smaller lineup with a two-guard, but it would be nice to get a legitimate wing in town. Whether it's via the draft, free agency or a trade, Milwaukee will have options. They will likely let Taurean Prince walk away in free agency; could that open the door for youngster Chris Livingston to potentially earn a larger role for the Milwaukee Bucks? Time will tell, especially if they guarantee his contract or not.
No. 2 - Center
For the first time since 2018, the Milwaukee Bucks may be on the hunt for a new starting big man in the offseason. Brook Lopez couldn't get on the floor much against Indiana due to matchup issues, so perhaps the Bucks will look for a fresh start. Bobby Portis has a player option, and it will be interesting to see how he proceeds with that following his suspension, which tanked his value this season a bit. Retaining Jericho Sims should also be high on the to-do list, as he showed flashes in Milwaukee.
No. 1 - Point guard
Outside of those three power forwards, the other player under contract next season is Damian Lillard, who is slated to miss significant time with a torn Achilles. The Milwaukee Bucks need to find bodies to run the floor, and all eyes will be on Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins. Both can enter free agency this offseason, and aiming to keep both seems like a no-brainer. Yet, if the Bucks are unable to retain one or both of them, they will desperately need to scour the market for help to stay afloat.
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