Haywood Highsmith Rejects Damian Lillard's Recruitment To The Bucks And Decided To Stay With The Heat

The Milwaukee Bucks have been quiet through NBA free agency so far. They have limited flexibility when it comes to acquiring new players as a second apron team, which led to Damian Lillard recruiting free agent forward Haywood Highmsith to join the Bucks before he re-signed with the Heat for two years, $10 million, according to the reputed Barry Jackson.

"Bucks and Suns offered minimum deals. Damian Lillard called Haywood to lobby him. Heat ended up being fortunate that he didn't have a higher offer elsewhere while the Heat remained non-committal with him. Worked out for the best; Heat needs his perimeter defense. 14 roster spots full."

Highsmith averaged 6.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists last season, playing a rotational role for the Heat and emerging as a switchable forward option who can play multiple positions. 

He'd be a huge signing for the Bucks who lack the perimeter athleticism Highsmith would bring, but the Heat get to retain him as another one of their developmental success stories.

The Bucks haven't made any major moves this offseason, with their biggest addition yet coming through the signing of Delon Wright on a minimum. While that's a great signing for the Bucks as Wright is a defensive-minded guard who can complement Lillard perfectly, it's not enough to help the Bucks jump back into contention.

The Bucks were a first-round exit in the 2024 Playoffs and have watched teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks take massive steps forward to try and be competitive with the Boston Celtics. The Bucks have tried to find upgrades, but their asset-limited and aging roster isn't going to allow them to make any major moves.

The Bucks Need To Target Brandon Ingram

The Bucks have zero movable draft picks in their arsenal right now, after extinguishing their assets on trades to acquire Jrue Holiday in 2020 and then Damian Lillard in 2023. With the aging and oft-injured core of Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have limited avenues as far as chasing upgrades on their roster.

They've recently been linked to Brandon Ingram, who legitimately may be the best player they could hope to land this offseason.

"It’s difficult to find a sensible move that’ll allow Ingram to find a new, long-term home and the Pelicans to get what they need back in a trade. Teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and LA Clippers could use Ingram to boost their title chances."

Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists this season. He would greatly aid the Bucks' inability to rely on their team's offense to can carry the team through tough stretches. With the lack of draft assets in the Bucks' cupboard, they'll have to move on from either Brook Lopez or Bobby Portis Jr. given the hole the Pelicans have at center. 

This isn't the perfect move and will leave the Bucks needing to do more to fill out their roster, but this is a noticeable upgrade on the top end of the roster as the Bucks add more space to the floor for Giannis.