MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – APRIL 30: Malik Beasley #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a three point … [+] shot against the Indiana Pacers during game five of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Fiserv Forum on April 30, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bucks defeated the Pacers 115-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
As the Milwaukee Bucks navigate the precarious tightrope of their offseason, the first domino has fallen into place. General Manager Jon Horst has reportedly opted to remain with the team, eschewing the siren call of the Detroit Pistons. However, plenty of other difficult decisions are staring them in the face, including their five unrestricted free agents.
None of the free agents will break the bank for Milwaukee. That’s good news, considering they have minimal financial resources at their disposal this offseason.
However, a couple of players could play key roles for the Bucks off the bench if they’re retained. Let’s preview the five players who are set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the energetic and unselfish hype man for the Milwaukee Bucks, was poised to secure another contract with the team until a devastating Achilles injury sidelined him. This setback not only rules him out for the upcoming season but also raises doubts about his future in the game.
Known for his infectious energy and locker room presence, could he potentially make a comeback in a different capacity under Doc Rivers?
Malik Beasley
It was a tale of two seasons for Malik Beasley. He started the season on fire, sitting near the top of the leaderboard among three-point shooters heading into March. However, his shooting percentages fell off a cliff in March and April, and he barely saw the court in the playoffs.
He was miscast as the Bucks’ defensive stopper, a role he never played in his career. He’ll likely be looking for a bigger payday. Still, Milwaukee could offer him a minimum deal to come off the bench next season.
Patrick Beverley
After being acquired at midseason via a trade, Patrick Beverley thrived with the Bucks. He was familiar with Rivers, squashed his beef with Damian Lillard, and played his role to perfection on both ends of the court. Milwaukee is the favorite to re-sign him, but they need to be careful about the price point the soon-to-be 36-year-old may cost them.
Jae Crowder
It’s safe to assume Jae Crowder’s time in Milwaukee is over. He had an uneventful one-plus season with the Bucks that was utterly forgettable. Crowder was benched last year in the playoffs under Mike Budenholzer and only returned because Bud was fired. However, he found himself in a similar position this year under Rivers.
The Bucks gave up a lot of second-round picks to get Crowder last season. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. However, Milwaukee needs to upgrade their athleticism on the wing, and Crowder isn’t the answer they’re looking for. It’s time for both parties to move on.
Danilo Gallinari
Danilo Gallinari was a buyout signing for the Bucks this season. Not much was expected of him, but he did flash a couple of times when Milwaukee was shorthanded against the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs.
Gallinari may try to latch onto a championship contender next year, but Milwaukee shouldn’t be it. Again, they need more athletes and Gallinari does not fall into that category.
