The Milwaukee Bucks’ recent run this season has been very frustrating, to say the least. As it stands, things might become more complicated as three key players could leave in free agency, including Patrick Beverley.

Milwaukee Bucks, Patrick Beverley

Last season, the Bucks finished on top of the Eastern Conference with a record of 58 wins and 24 losses. The thing is, that lineup headlined by All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton wasn’t enough to prevent Milwaukee from being eliminated in the first round by the Miami Heat.

Milwaukee Bucks, Malilk BeasleyApr 28, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Malik Beasley (5) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) defends during game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
In response, the Bucks’ front office traded Holiday for Damian Lillard and signed Malik Beasley in free agency. The wisdom in these signings was to give Antetokounmpo sufficient shot creation without him shouldering all of the team’s offense.

Although that worked during the first half of the season, Milwaukee’s defense plummeted. This led the franchise to replace Adrian Griffin with Doc Rivers to address that part of their game. They also acquired Patrick Beverley to boost their defense after the All-Star break.

Unfortunately, none of those moves translated well on the court at the Bucks were eliminated in the first round for the second consecutive year. As such, the front office will have to make hard decisions during the offseason to come up with a better roster.

Why The Milwaukee Bucks Could Lose Malik Beasley, Jae Crowder, and Patrick Beverley in Free Agency

Milwaukee Bucks, Jae CrowderApr 23, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jae Crowder (99) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) in the first half during game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
After the Bucks’ disappointing season, the current lineup may cease to exist soon. This is what Bobby Marks noted in his analysis for ESPN about Milwaukee’s offseason plans:

“The Bucks could lose Beasley, Crowder and Beverley to free agency, because they are over the apron and cannot offer a starting salary of $4.0 million to each player. How Milwaukee replaces the 23.5 points per game and 110 starts that group made this season will come down to two options. The first is signing players to the one-year veterans minimum. The downside of that strategy would be having to go through the same process next offseason,” Marks wrote.

Although each player brings something solid to the table, there are several arguments to let them walk away in free agency. Beverley’s stunts may have caused the team more harm than good. Crowder isn’t the same 3-and-D player he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers or Phoenix Suns before. Malik Beasley’s fit with Lillard is questionable as both guards are known scorers.

Milwaukee Bucks, Patrick BeverleyApr 21, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) grabs a rebound against Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley (21) in the third quarter during game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
It remains to be seen what the Bucks will do with these three in the coming months. What’s certain, though, is that Antetokounmpo is the lone player the front office can’t deal. As such, they have to exhaust all means to surround him with better talent.
Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis AntetokounmpoMar 6, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) runs into Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the second quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

For More Wisconsin Sports:

Follow us on Twitter at @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.

Mayfield Sports Marketing

Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion.  Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.

Radtke Sports

Wisconsin Sports Heroics is proud partner with Radtke Sports to offer autographed memorabilia. Brett Favre, Rob Gronkowski, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and MORE Guaranteed Authentic Collectibles and Memorabilia including signed jerseys, photos, and more at www.RadtkeSports.com USE promo code: WSH for FREE SHIPPING on your purchase. Some restrictions may apply