Are the Milwaukee Bucks Still Title Contenders?

After the third first-round playoff exit in the last four years, the title window seemed completely shut for the Milwaukee Bucks heading into the next season. However, as the offseason has progressed, the Bucks have made moves to both shave money off their salary cap as well as keep the bulk of their core intact. The writing off of the team may have been a little premature.

Notable Departures

The most notable moves the Bucks have made this offseason have been the waiving of nine-time All-Star Guard Damian Lillard, as well as letting long-time Center Brook Lopez leave for the Clippers. After acquiring Lillard from Portland in a blockbuster trade two years ago, the pairing of Lillard and Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was never able to get off the ground. While Lillard was still a very productive player during his time in Milwaukee, averaging an efficient 25 points per game, the 34-year-old was not able to find a cohesive fit within the Bucks’ system.

Latest Signings Help Add Depth

Although the previous departures seemed to spell doom for the Bucks, the team’s latest signings have helped dampen the impact those departures left. The addition of Myles Turner to replace Lopez gives the Bucks a noticeable upgrade at the center position.

Turner’s outside scoring, coupled with his rim-protection skills, makes him a hand-in-glove fit alongside Giannis. The re-signings of players such as Taurean Prince, Bobby Portis, and Gary Trent Jr. also mean that Milwaukee will retain depth at multiple positions. There are only two questions that remain for the Bucks to answer.

The Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon Questions

With the waiving of Lillard, the Bucks have been on the hunt to replenish their ranks at the point guard position. Multiple reports have indicated that Milwaukee is interested in the service of either Chris Paul or Malcolm Brogdon to fill that hole.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that both Milwaukee and Paul have had conversations around a potential signing. While league insider Jake Fischer has reported that the Washington Wizards are looking to facilitate Brogdon’s departure from the team in a sign-and-trade deal, with the Bucks being on the list of potential suitors. Either one of these potential moves will increase the Bucks’ title hopes heading into next season.

Final Thoughts

As multiple Eastern Conference teams, such as the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers, enter next season with injuries to their superstar players, the East is as wide open as it has ever been. Although Vegas Insider has Milwaukee sitting at No. 8 in their latest odds to win the conference season, bettors should take that ranking with a grain of salt. Some friendly advice to NBA fans. Don’t bet against Milwaukee being a contender next season.