Milwaukee Bucks Suddenly Named Suitors for 2x NBA Scoring Champ

The last two season, of course, have seen the Bucks pair Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the 75 greatest players of all time, with another member of the NBA’s 7th Anniversary Team in Damian Lillard.

After two seasons that saw Milwaukee eliminated in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, and after Lillard tore his Achilles in the postseason this year, the Bucks released and stretched the nine-time All-Star in an effort to afford the signings that they have made this offseason.

But it appears that they may be eyeing another member of the 75th Anniversary Team to add depth to their backcourt.

According to Brett Siegel of Clutchpoints, Milwaukee has suddenly emerged as a serious contender to sign two-time NBA scoring champ Russell Westbrook:

“In recent days, another team has suddenly emerged as a possible suitor for Westbrook: the Milwaukee Bucks.

“The expectation surrounding the Bucks is that they will be utilizing one of their final roster spots to add extra guard depth after bringing back Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins in free agency. Given Westbrook’s athleticism and speed, he would be an ideal fit next to Giannis Antetokounmpo on a Bucks team that likes to push the pace in transition.”

Westbrook, who averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists for the Denver Nuggets last season, has not been a full-time starter in the NBA since the 2021-22 season. Instead, he has become one of the best sixth men in the league, finishing in the top-ten of Sixth Man of the Year voting twice.

As Siegel notes, Westbrook being added to the Bucks roster would ensure guard depth, and if last season proved anything, Milwaukee cannot have enough of that. He is fast and athletic, even at age 37, which is something the Bucks need on offense.

The difficulty in seeing Milwaukee adding someone like Westbrook is that he is ball dominant and would push Rollins and Porter down the depth chart. The Bucks just brought both players back on guaranteed contracts, so it is hard to see them wanting to do that.

Furthermore, the last two seasons with Lillard running point proved that it is better if Giannis is the only ball-dominant player on the court when he is playing.

Finally, general manager Jon Horst typically operates below the radar. If Milwaukee were truly interested in Westbrook, it is likely no one would know about it.