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Milwaukee Bucks have lots of free agent decisions to make in offseason

By Brian Sampson

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 28: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball while being guarded by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter during Game One of Round Two of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at the Fiserv Forum on April 28, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 28: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball while being guarded by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter during Game One of Round Two of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at the Fiserv Forum on April 28, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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The Milwaukee Bucks just wrapped up their best season in nearly two decades. Now, they must figure out how to run it back.

The Milwaukee Bucks had a terrific 2018-19 season even if it ended with four straight losses. They won 60 games in the regular season for just the fifth time in franchise history. They also advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the Toronto Raptors in six games. Those are some pretty impressive accomplishments that every Bucks’ fan should be proud of.

Unfortunately, Milwaukee must make a plethora of free agent decisions that will likely depend on how much money the Bucks’ owners want to spend. They already had the fifth-largest payroll in 2018-19 and that number is only going to grow.

The biggest name is Khris Middleton. Middleton made his first All-Star team this season and has a player option for $13 million next year. However, he will surely decline that and be in line for a big contract extension. Probably a max extension. That means Middleton could make $32 million in 2019-20 alone. That number would only continue to rise throughout the life of his contract.

Many fans wonder if Middleton is actually a maximum player. He’s a borderline All-Star and not always as dominant as many would like. However, he can space the floor, play great defense and understand his role alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.

If it was only Middleton was a free agent this offseason, it would still be a challenging one. However, Malcolm Brogdon (restricted), Brook Lopez (unrestricted) and Nikola Mirotic (unrestricted) are also pending free agents. Oh, and George Hill will likely get waived so Milwaukee avoids paying him $18 million next season. That doesn’t mean they won’t try to bring him back, it will just have to be at the veteran minimum.

The Bucks already re-signed Eric Bledsoe toward the end of the season, at least avoiding one more personnel decision. Still, the Summer will be an interesting one to say the least.

The Bucks have the ability to re-sign Brogdon and Mirotic while going over the cap thanks to owning their bird rights. However, Lopez must agree to the mid-level exception and sign that first before making other moves.

Next. 3 reasons Bucks lost in Eastern Conference Finals. dark

It’s complicated, to say the least. The Bucks have likely been pondering their options all season long and should be fully prepared to bring their guys back once the time comes. The team, hopefully, proved they are worth going deep into the luxury tax and that they have the ability to turn the corner and get to the NBA Finals. It will be a Summer full of decisions and money in Milwaukee.

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