Ceiling, floor for Milwaukee Bucks: Championship or bust after Damian Lillard trade

Gifting Antetokounmpo a new co-star allows three-time All-Star Khris Middleton, who has averaged 20-plus PPG in four separate seasons, to slide in as the third scoring option for Milwaukee's offense. Add in veteran Brook Lopez, who in 2022-23 averaged his highest point output (15.9) since 2016-17 and highest rebound mark (6.7) since 2015-16, and the Bucks boast one of the league's most talented starting units — regardless of who slots in at shooting guard. 

If Jae Crowder can help alleviate some of the defensive prowess left behind by Jrue Holiday, a two-guard rotation of Pat Connaughton and Malik Beasley should be enough for Milwaukee to challenge for their second NBA title in four seasons.  

Floor: 50-32 and back-to-back early playoff exits 

Since the start of the 2018-19 season, Milwaukee has won at least 50 games in all but one season — 2020-21 in a reduced 72-game schedule. Regardless of potential growing pains in the meshing of Antetokounmpo and Lillard, the Bucks's talent should once again see them clear the 50-win benchmark. From there, the question becomes, can the duo guide Milwaukee past the likes of Miami and the Boston Celtics come playoff time? 

Milwaukee has endured back-to-back disappointing playoff runs, including a first-round exit last season. After finishing 2022-23 as the NBA's fourth-rated defense, the Bucks will have a tall task trying to replicate that defensive prowess without Holiday and Grayson Allen on the wing. 

With a first-time head coach, Adrian Griffin, at the helm, the juggling of two superstars, and questionable depth, the Bucks could be a season away from realizing their true potential.