It’s a new era in Milwaukee as Bucks GM Jon Horst looks to build a contender around Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer. After a brutal loss in the first round of the playoffs, the Bucks lost faith in their roster and have opted to make serious changes — starting with veteran point guard Damian Lillard. In a shocking and unexpected move, they waived and stretched Lillard’s contract, making him a free agent for the first time in his career.
As the basketball world waits for Lillard’s decision, the Bucks will be posturing to make follow-up moves that could cement their status as favorites in the East next season. Thanks to Myles Turner’s arrival, they have an elite big man to hold down the paint, and their recent acquisition of Vasilije Micic (for Pat Connaughton and two second-round picks) will help bolster their depth in the backcourt.
Full Trade Details:
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Vasilije Micic
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Pat Connaughton, 2031 second-round pick, 2032 second-round pick
This small transaction, along with the deal for Kevin Porter Jr. back in February, gives the Bucks options at point guard and some flexibility to hold up in different matchups. Still, if the Bucks really want to compete next season, they’ll need a true starting point guard to replace the void left by Lillard’s departure.
The good news for Milwaukee is that there are still a few names available that could help them compete next season and regain Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trust. After going from Jrue Holiday to Damian Lillard, they’ll have to settle for a role-player this time around, but at least four veteran names stand out as realistic acquisitions, and someone who could help the Bucks stay competitive for years to come.
Malcolm Brogdon
Malcolm Brogdon, 32, has been on three different teams over the past three seasons. As a free agent this summer, the Wizards are open to a sign-and-trade with Brogdon, or he can go out on his own and find a new contract with a team of his choosing. The Bucks won’t be able to match the $22.5 million he earned in the 2024-25 campaign, but he might accept a smaller deal to return to the Bucks, where he spent the first three years of his career.
As a versatile two-way guard who can do everything on the floor, Brogdon would be an ideal fit with Giannis, especially since they’ve played together before. His previous stint in Milwaukee was some of the best basketball of his career (12.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game on 48.4% shooting. While his skillset does not match Lillard’s, he’ll be available next season, and that’s more than can be said for the 9x All-Star.
Spencer Dinwiddie
Spencer Dinwiddie has experience playing with many superstars, including Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and LeBron James. Just like he contributed to those teams, he could contribute to the Bucks and make himself useful as a scorer, shooter, and ball handler alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. In 79 games last season, he averaged 11.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game on 41.6% shooting.
After finding his way back to Dallas last season, Dinwiddie played a major role in the lineup with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, but he missed time down the stretch due to a nagging knee injury. His absence should make way for other young stars, such as Cooper Flagg, who is expected to see some time at point guard next season. Meanwhile, Dinwiddie will get the chance to play a larger role on a more competitive team in the East.
Dante Exum
Another guard tied to the Mavericks, Dante Exum, is officially a free agent now that the final year of his deal (worth $3.1 million) has expired. He was a former No. 5 overall pick back in 2014, but eventually faded into obscurity after a few unachieving seasons in the NBA. Finally, the 2024-25 campaign emerged as his breakout season with averages of 8.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game on 47.8% shooting. He provided a major spark for the Mavs, and he makes a lot of sense as a top target for the Bucks.
As a 43.5% three-point shooter last season, Exum was highly effective from beyond the arc, and the Bucks are one of many teams that can use that kind of boost. Without Lillard’s shooting and scoring, Milwaukee doesn’t have anyone but Kyle Kuzma to spread the floor, and that could be a huge problem. At least with Exum, they’d have another reliable threat out there who could help take some pressure off Giannis.
Russell Westbrook
From MVP to bench player, Westbrook’s fall has been swift and steep, but he can still have a productive role in the right situation. He’s up for grabs this summer after declining his player option, and while critics might argue that his bad shooting would make him a poor fit for the Bucks, his inside scoring, playmaking abilities, and competitive personality are enough that the Bucks might consider looking his way. He and Giannis could bring out the best in each other, and his court vision would help elevate his Bucks teammates to another level.
With averages of 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game last season, Westbrook is no longer in his prime, but he makes his presence felt on the court in many ways, from his elite passing to his signature finishing ability. After being abandoned by so many teams, the Bucks could be a place where he feels motivated to play some of the best basketball of his late career.
In the end, it’s impossible to say what the Bucks will do, but they are clearly under immense pressure from Giannis Antetokounmpo. Since their title run in 2021, the franchise has not accomplished much, and they are desperate to return to contention so they can avoid any scenario where Giannis asks out.
