Bucks Linked to Former MVP Guard Ahead of the 2025-26 NBA Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 12:33 AM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks are encouraged to sign a former NBA MVP guard ahead of the 2025-26 season to boost their backcourt depth.

The Milwaukee Bucks just lost their best backcourt player after they waived All-Star guard Damian Lillard. The point guard suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. He's expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season as he'll need time to rehab from his injury.

Due to this, the Bucks decided it was best to move on from Lillard and waive him, rather than have one season with an injured star. This has given Milwaukee the task of forming a team with a deep backcourt without an All-Star.

An NBA Writer Encouraged the Bucks to Pursue Russell Westbrook

The Bucks already have Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Harris, Cole Anthony and Andre Jackson Jr. However, many believe that it's not enough for them to contend in the Eastern Conference.

ClutchPoints' Enzo Flojo strongly suggested that the Bucks should consider signing Russell Westbrook. The former NBA MVP is still an unrestricted free agent after playing one season with the Denver Nuggets. Flojo argued that Westbrook's ability to push the pace and get everyone involved will be beneficial for Milwaukee.

"Russell Westbrook, at 37, is a deeply flawed player, yes. That said, he is also a future Hall of Famer who still plays at one speed: relentless. With Lillard no longer around, Milwaukee desperately needs backcourt juice. Westbrook can still get downhill, create open looks for teammates, and bring a burst of athleticism that has been missing from this roster," Flojo wrote.

He said that having Westbrook won't be a long-term plan. Instead, it's a temporary solution for the Bucks, as they are still insisting on contending for a championship. Last season for the Nuggets, the nine-time All-Star appeared in 75 games as a sixth man.

He averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists on 44.9% shooting from the field. Westbrook can bring a much-needed firepower off the bench, which could work out well if he's playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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