For years, Dennis Schröder has been a name linked with the Milwaukee Bucks. Now, they need to make it happen.
The veteran guard has bounced around the league as a solid backcourt player who is more than capable of running an offense. Milwaukee's backcourt will have a very different look this coming season. With Damian Lillard missing time and Kevin Porter Jr. expected to decline his player option. Schroder is the perfect target, and the Milwaukee Bucks should prioritize him.
Schröder can more than fill the void the Bucks need at point guard
It was a strange season for the German guard; he was incredibly impressive for the Brooklyn Nets before being traded to the Golden State Warriors and then ending the season as part of the Detroit Pistons. Schroder averaged 13.1 points, 5.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds on shooting splits of .406/.342/.838. In the playoffs, he was an integral part of the Pistons taking the New York Knicks to six games, including a 20-point game in Game 2 in Madison Square Garden.
Ryan Rollins is also hitting free agency, but many would hope the Bucks would retain him. Bringing in an experienced point guard like Schröder would ease the pressure on Rollins and give him another veteran to learn from. Even when Lillard returns, Schröder can lead the second unit and has shown an ability to provide a scoring punch as a starter and off the bench.
Alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, the duo would form a nice partnership, and it would also take a load off the shoulders of the two-time MVP. We didn't see the pick-and-roll between Giannis and Lillard used as often as many would have liked. The hope would be that Schröder can aid both as the ball-handler and potential roller.
The big question regarding Schröder is his asking price. He hits free agency off a $13 million contract and the Pistons may be willing to pay him more than the Bucks to keep him around.
NBA insiders have reported that the Bucks are willing to enter the luxury tax once again before Giannis hits free agency in the summer of 2028. As a mid-level exception option, he would be a great pickup for the Milwaukee Bucks and is exactly what they need.
Other names that have been mentioned in the Bucks' hunt for point guard play include Tyus Jones and the return of Malcolm Brogdon. With Milwaukee's lack of financial flexibility, they will be hoping to find bargains on veteran minimums, so whoever's asking price is lowest is most likely to be brought in.
It will be a strange season in Milwaukee. Giannis on your roster means you can still compete in the postseason, but depending on when Lillard is back will ultimately determine how far the team can go. Jon Horst has shown his willingness to make moves to keep contending, and adding a guy like Schröder can help keep the Bucks challenging.