Offseason News

[mufan2003]

Shams Charania mentions the Bucks and Heat as suitors in a Bradley Beal trade. He is owed A LOT of money over the next 3 (potentially 4) years.

https://twitter.com/Stadium/status/1669048166551805974

23-24: $46.7M
24-25: $50.2M
25-26: $53.6M
26-27: $57.1M (PO)

[mufan2003]

The Bucks would almost have to include Jrue Holiday to make this kind of a deal. Middleton is not going to sign only to get traded to Washington. Same with Brook. If not Jrue, would have to move the majority of the roster (Portis, Connaughton, Allen, etc). Really no 1st-round picks to work with.

Jrue Holiday:

23-24: $36.8M
24-25: $39.4M (PO)

[mufan2003]

https://twitter.com/TheAthleticNBA/status/1671739691400298496?t=qa-v3Dt-gt6P2oK7S4PQlQ&s=19

[Goose85]

https://twitter.com/TheAthleticNBA/status/1671739691400298496?t=qa-v3Dt-gt6P2oK7S4PQlQ&s=19

He won't get $40 mil on a per year basis, so by turning it down there must be a deal with the Bucks on a lower amount but longer term that would seem beneficial Middleton.

Middleton might be worried that one more injured year and he would be in line for vet minimum type deals.

[mufan2003]

He won't get $40 mil on a per year basis, so by turning it down there must be a deal with the Bucks on a lower amount but longer term that would seem beneficial Middleton.

Middleton might be worried that one more injured year and he would be in line for vet minimum type deals.

This was to be expected. Benefits Khris and the Bucks to agree on a long-term contract and not take as large of a cap hit in one season.

Khris had his health issues during the regular season, but was the best player on the Bucks in the 5-game series with the Heat. Turns 32 in August (I bet Khris returns on a 4-year deal with the 4th year as a PO)

The belief around the league is that Khris and Brook will return to the Bucks. Middleton had dinner with new coach Adrian Griffin, I think there is a desire to keep the core intact (Giannis, Khris, Jrue, Brook).

[mufan2003]

Surprised by and really like the Andre Jackson pick at #36. Unbelievable defensive player with length (6'6", 6'10" wingspan), incredible athleticism and turned into a very good passer. His shot does need work though.

As he continues to get stronger, at times, he could turn into a defensive stopper (i.e. PJ Tucker) to put on some of the better wings in the East. He has that kind of athleticism, hops and agility.

https://twitter.com/BallySportWI/status/1672269844719316992

https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/1672127538208862209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1672127538208862209%7Ctwgr% 5Ee9e7bcd4a684fac6a293a96fd758649a3f904227%7Ctwcon %5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F4633174%2F 2023%2F06%2F23%2Fmilwaukee-bucks-nba-draft-2023%2F

https://twitter.com/eric_nehm/status/1672255543212163075

https://twitter.com/SNYUConn/status/1672092184277909505

https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA/status/1671634849269178368

[mufan2003]

Interesting tidbit from the Athletic on the Chris Livingston pick (#58):

With their original pick, the Bucks selected Chris Livingston, a one-and-done player from the University of Kentucky. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that Livingston’s agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, called teams around the league and requested that they don’t draft Livingston because he had a place set up where he wanted to go and that spot ended up being Milwaukee.

Livingston, 19, averaged just 6.3 points and 4.2 rebounds in 22.4 minutes per game as a freshman at Kentucky, but he started 26 games for coach John Calipari and seemed to grow more comfortable in his role as the season progressed.

“Chris has the pedigree — this is a McDonald’s All-American, went to a top-level program, has been one of the best players in his class for a lot of years,” Horst said. “Really competitive kid, young man. Really mature body for his age and is a really hard worker. So I think when you put those things together, he’s got a great game. He attacks the rim, can put the ball on the floor. A big part of the season at Kentucky he was a plus shooter from the perimeter and later in the season kind of slipped a little bit. There’s just a lot to work with there.

At 6 foot 6 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, Livingston has a solid frame like Jackson but weighs almost 20 pounds more. While Jackson’s explosiveness stands out, Livingston’s potential has more to do with his strength.

At the end of the night, the Bucks came away with two wings with size, which appeared to be their goal.

[mufan2003]

https://youtu.be/BXfGZFCh2F8

[mufan2003]

"In related news, league sources say that Milwaukee is indeed in a promising position when it comes to re-signing both Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez. My sense is that a new deal for Middleton is all but assured at this point, while word is Lopez — despite Houston’s well-chronicled interest and the presumed threat to a Rockets bid would carry — is likewise leaning toward a Bucks return."

Source: Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com

[mufan2003]

FWIW, considering the source:

https://woelfelspressbox.com/2023/06/despite-a-rough-playoff-showing-bucks-are-likely-to-bring-back-crowder/

[mufan2003]

10-Year anniversary (June 27) since Giannis was drafted:

https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1673666550241415169

https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1673695176147992576

[mufan2003]

NBA free agency will kick off on Friday, June 30, at 6 p.m. ET. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents at that time.

Most contracts can't officially be signed until Thursday, July 6, at 12:01 p.m. ET. However, many players will agree to the terms of a contract verbally before putting pen to paper.

https://www.nba.com/players/free-agent-tracker/2023

[MUfan12]

Reading between the lines, I'd be surprised if both Grayson and Pat are on the roster opening night. I think they want to upgrade their wing defense.

[Goose85]

Reading between the lines, I'd be surprised if both Grayson and Pat are on the roster opening night. I think they want to upgrade their wing defense.

I would think that Grayson might be on the trade block. This is his last year under contract while Pat has three years on his deal. Teams seem to value expiring contracts more.

Need to ink Lopez for a couple more years.

[mufan2003]

No doubt they want to get more athletic/long as it relates to wing defenders. The Andre Jackson pick helped in that regard, his offense is limited, but I bet he is capable of defending from day 1.

Allen and Connaughton seem redundant, always thought they were very similar in skillset and measurables.

It is amusing how much play there is in the media advocating Damian Lillard to the Bucks (or Miami, Brooklyn, etc). Nice to be a destination spot in the NBA. In part because of this tweet during the 2022 playoffs:

https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard/status/1525906892878254080

[mufan2003]

A big fan of Jrue Holiday. Love his 2-way ability, leadership, toughness and being a top defensive player in the league. However, his offensive stats have dramatically dropped off come playoff time. Maybe that is simply explained by how much defensive responsibility he takes on in the playoffs. It is a bit concerning.

[MUfan12]

Jrue's playoff form has to be hugely concerning. Maybe some of that changes if they can upgrade the wing defense. What does them in isn't the drop coverage so much as not being able to keep dudes in front of them.

Looking good on Brook. Not sure if it's a 2+1 or all 3 guaranteed.

[Goose85]

Jrue's playoff form has to be hugely concerning. Maybe some of that changes if they can upgrade the wing defense. What does them in isn't the drop coverage so much as not being able to keep dudes in front of them.

Looking good on Brook. Not sure if it's a 2+1 or all 3 guaranteed.

Need Brook back, so that sounds good!

I think there is such defensive pressure on Holiday in the playoffs that his offense suffers. Would help if we had more defensive help for him next season, especially in the back court.

Would love to have Lillard, but not sure we have what it would take to get a trade done.

[mufan2003]

Brook is re-signing with the Bucks! Great news, he certainly got paid. Coincides with Giannis' contract (team control through 2025).

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1675211878786646016?t=U3GdWZvhvamVfWBConiS1w&s=19

[mufan2003]

Jevon Carter to the Bulls, Ingles to Orlando.

Have to imagine Jae Crowder news will be next.

[mufan2003]

With the Jae Crowder signing (1-year deal), it has to be considered a successful free agency for the Bucks. Middleton, Lopez and now Crowder all retained.

This ownership group is willing to spend/invest and Giannis is the magnet. The Bucks are establishing themselves as one the desirable franchises in the NBA between the facilities, ownership group and having arguably the best player in the NBA.

This roster will once again be one of the 5 or 6 teams that can legitimately win it all.

[Goose85]

Will be interesting to see how Crowder does with a full off season and season with the Bucks.

Not sure how much else the Bucks can do, but with the core plus back we should be right there if we stay relatively healthy. Will be interesting to see how we finalize the roster.

[mufan2003]

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1676002991843803138?s=20

Great move and he's young (26). Bucks continue to impress in Free Agency.

[Goose85]

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1676002991843803138?s=20

Great move and he's young (26). Bucks continue to impress in Free Agency.

Great pickup, led the league in 3 pointers off the bench.

Are the Bucks really signing Robin Lopez?
https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/07/bucks-to-sign-robin-lopez-2.html

Need more guard depth, so hopefully there is a minimum wage PG out there somewhere.

Giannis, Holiday, Middleton, Lopez, Allen, Connaughton, Crowder, Portis, Beasley, Beauchamp, Thanasis, R Lopez, Andre Jackson, then need a point guard and decide who might bounce between G-League and NBA (Livingston, Green if still eligible for that, maybe even Drew Timme).

[mufan2003]

Yes, sounds like Robin will join the Bucks. I am sure mom is happy, both sons on the same team again. Even though the Bucks have been dominant in the regular season (best record from 18-19 through 22-23), can't take it for granted. Having a deep roster helps you get through an 82-game season and secure one of the top spots in the East. Miami was an aberration, historically, not too many teams outside the top 3 in either conference make the NBA Finals and/or win it all.

Also, in a hypothetical scenario, going against Embiid or Jokic in the playoffs......it will certainly hep to have multiple big bodies (Brook and Robin) and not have to utilize Giannis to defend those types of players. Robin can give you minutes and fouls as a 7' with length.

[mufan2003]

Every Free Agent deal broken down per team (all 30 teams) up to today:

https://www.nba.com/news/nba-offseason-every-reported-deal-2023

Bucks summer league begins today. It will be interesting to see how Beauchamp is progressing (first round pick last year). Andre Jackson, Chris Livingston.

https://www.nba.com/bucks/schedule

https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/1677316540058976256

Bobby Portis on USA men's team competing in FIBA World Cup (8/25/23 - 9/10/23):

https://www.nba.com/news/2023-usa-basketball-mens-national-team-announced

[mufan2003]

I have enjoyed watching how Boston is quietly making themselves worse. Marcus Smart, the guy who brought toughness to that team and was the defensive leader, now in Memphis. Grant Williams, traded to Dallas, always could give Giannis fits with his strong lower body and overall strength. Giannis never has problems with tall, lanky guys like Porzingis (who has a horrible track record of staying healthy). I think Boston felt like they had to do something for the sake of doing something.....I don't like their team as much today as I did last season or 2 seasons ago. Bucks were smart, IMO, keeping a very talented group together and didn't overreact to the loss against Miami (who proved they were good by getting to the NBA Finals after the Eastern Conference Finals in 2022).

[Goose85]

I have enjoyed watching how Boston is quietly making themselves worse. Marcus Smart, the guy who brought toughness to that team and was the defensive leader, now in Memphis. Grant Williams, traded to Dallas, always could give Giannis fits with his strong lower body and overall strength. Giannis never has problems with tall, lanky guys like Porzingis (who has a horrible track record of staying healthy). I think Boston felt like they had to do something for the sake of doing something.....I don't like their team as much today as I did last season or 2 seasons ago. Bucks were smart, IMO, keeping a very talented group together and didn't overreact to the loss against Miami (who proved they were good by getting to the NBA Finals after the Eastern Conference Finals in 2022).

Not sure how much longer the Celtics can count on Horford. Is Porzingis taking on that role?

Agree that the regular season is all about having enough bodies to play night in night out to make sure your top guys are playoff ready.

I think Robin Lopez and Crowder will be key for certain playoff match-ups, but not necessarily every series.

[mufan2003]

Crowder officially signs:

https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/1678114105486614529

Quite a deal for the last pick in the draft, first 2 years guaranteed:

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1677852498722435074

[mufan2003]

New "NBA In-Season Tournament" will run from 11/3/23 - 12/9/23. All 30 teams, 6 groups of 5. Quarterfinals, Semifinals and then a championship game. Games count toward regular season record except the championship game.

https://www.nba.com/news/2023-in-season-tournament-debut-official-release

[mufan2003]

2 years ago today, hopefully more to come!

https://twitter.com/BucksMuse/status/1682010010778304512

[mufan2003]

East
Bucks at #1 ahead of Boston
https://www.nba.com/news/offseason-power-rankings-east-2023

West
Denver #1 as defending champs
https://www.nba.com/news/offseason-power-rankings-west-2023

[MUfan12]

And so it begins again. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/24/sports/basketball/giannis-antetokounmpo-milwaukee-bucks-contract.html?partner=IFTTT

In a few weeks, he will be eligible for a three-year extension worth about $173 million, but he doesn’t plan to sign one just yet.

“The real question’s not going to be this year — numbers-wise it doesn’t make sense,” Antetokounmpo said. “But next year, next summer it would make more sense for both parties. Even then, I don’t know.”

He added: “I would not be the best version of myself if I don’t know that everybody’s on the same page, everybody’s going for a championship, everybody’s going to sacrifice time away from their family like I do. And if I don’t feel that, I’m not signing.”

I don't know who specifically he's calling out here. Some on twitter think Jrue, who knows.

[mufan2003]

And so it begins again. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/24/sports/basketball/giannis-antetokounmpo-milwaukee-bucks-contract.html?partner=IFTTT

In a few weeks, he will be eligible for a three-year extension worth about $173 million, but he doesn’t plan to sign one just yet.

“The real question’s not going to be this year — numbers-wise it doesn’t make sense,” Antetokounmpo said. “But next year, next summer it would make more sense for both parties. Even then, I don’t know.”

He added: “I would not be the best version of myself if I don’t know that everybody’s on the same page, everybody’s going for a championship, everybody’s going to sacrifice time away from their family like I do. And if I don’t feel that, I’m not signing.”

I don't know who specifically he's calling out here. Some on twitter think Jrue, who knows.

I don't have a subscription, but personally, I am not too worried about it.

National publications always like creating drama with franchise players and Giannis said similar things before signing the supermax in December of 2020. Giannis just speaks his mind, but I wouldn't read too much into it. Giannis pushed for the Bucks to trade for Jrue.......he had a tough series against Miami, but I don't think anyone can question his value (yes, his shooting disparity between regular season and postseason is concerning).

Giannis is under contract through 24-25 with a PO for 25-26. Middleton re-signed, Brook re-signed. It has already been proven that a championship can be won here. The organization will be in constant communication with Giannis as to what he is thinking and what he wishes for the direction of the organization. If I had to make a prediction, I believe Giannis plays his entire career in Milwaukee.