PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 24: AJ Inexperienced #20 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a three-pointer over Tyus … Extra
Getty PicturesThe Milwaukee Bucks might want to dip into the free agent pool this offseason in the event that they need to keep aggressive round Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2025–26.
With Damian Lillard anticipated to overlook most—if not all—of subsequent season as a consequence of an Achilles damage, and Kevin Porter Jr. more likely to decline his participant choice, Milwaukee is gazing some extent guard rotation that’s fully empty.
The excellent news is the Bucks have a couple of instruments at their disposal this summer time that weren’t accessible in years previous. They maintain a $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception and a $5.1 million biannual exception, which they will use to convey again their very own free brokers or go purchasing for new expertise.
Many of the midlevel exception must be earmarked to retain Gary Trent Jr., however the biannual might come in useful—particularly in the event that they hold their spending in test with Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis. With that in thoughts, listed below are seven reasonably priced free agent level guards the Bucks ought to goal this offseason.
Biannual Exception Candidates
Tyus Jones
Tyus Jones won’t make many spotlight reels, however he’s a gentle hand on the wheel. He took a reduction to play with the Phoenix Suns final 12 months and will do the identical to come back (near) residence—he’s a Minnesota native. Jones protects the ball, knocks down open threes, and makes sensible choices.
Defensively, he’s a goal as a consequence of his dimension, and opponents will probably go after him within the playoffs. However throughout the grind of the common season, he ought to maintain up simply high-quality.
Spencer Dinwiddie
At 6-foot-5 and 215 kilos, Dinwiddie brings dimension to the place—one thing that might profit the Bucks if Doc Rivers needs to experiment with extra switching defensively.
Dinwiddie’s finest days are behind him, however he nonetheless averaged 11 factors per recreation with the Mavericks final season and may create his personal shot when wanted. He’s additionally a greater table-setter than Jones on the subject of creating for others.
Monte Morris
Monte Morris has been quiet the final two seasons, which might work in Milwaukee’s favor if it drives his value down. At his finest, Morris is a dependable tertiary playmaker with a easy midrange recreation. The Bucks could be banking on him rediscovering his Denver Nuggets type from 2020–2022.
Dante Exum
Exum by no means lived as much as his top-five draft billing, however he’s carved out a second act as a flexible bench contributor. He has the dimensions to play a number of guard spots and will give the Bucks lineup flexibility. He is not flashy, however he’s confirmed he can keep on the ground and make an influence.
Veteran Minimal Candidates
Kyle Lowry
Lowry is not the bulldog he as soon as was, however he might convey veteran management, regular fingers, and 15 sensible minutes per evening. He is aware of methods to handle a recreation, hold teammates organized, and play inside his limitations.
Markelle Fultz
If the Bucks need to take a flyer, Fultz suits the mould. The previous No. 1 choose has battled accidents for many of his profession and appeared in solely 21 video games final season. Nonetheless, when wholesome, he can flash explosive playmaking means and would convey a special dynamic to the rotation.
Jevon Carter
Carter came upon the laborious manner that the grass isn’t at all times greener. After a breakout season with the Bucks in 2022–23, he signed a much bigger take care of Chicago—solely to see his minutes and manufacturing drop off. A reunion might make sense if he’s prepared to return in a depth function. He wouldn’t be a daily rotation lock, however he is aware of the franchise and will step in when wanted.