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How the Milwaukee Bucks can sign a max player in free agency

By Brian Sampson

TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 25: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half in game six of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 25, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 25: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half in game six of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 25, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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It’s highly unlikely, but there is a path available to the Milwaukee Bucks where they can sign another player on a maximum contract in free agency.

The most likely route the Milwaukee Bucks take in July is to re-sign their plethora of free agents and run it back. After all, it worked last season when they racked up 60 wins in the regular season, started the postseason10-1 and came within two games of the NBA Finals. Why not try it again?

This mode certainly takes maneuvering considering Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and Nikola Mirotic are all unrestricted free agents. George Hill will likely join that group as well. Malcolm Brogdon is also a restricted free agent which means the Bucks can match any offer sheet he signs.

Bringing back all of those guys gets very expensive. Even if they let Mirotic walk, which it’s expected they will, they are still projected to be in the luxury tax next season.

Another option they have is to go after a different max salary candidate other than Middleton. This route is highly unlikely and would take major guts, but it is a choice the Bucks have. In order to clear enough space to sign a player for the 30 percent max ($32.7 million next season), Milwaukee would need to make a few moves. They wouldn’t have the luxury of bird rights which allows them to bring back Middleton, Mirotic and Brogdon without having to worry about cap space.

In no particular order, they’d have to waive George Hill’s contract which would save them $17 million next season. Milwaukee would also have to renounce Mirotic’s cap hold which would clear another $18.75 million off the books. Next, they’d renounce Middleton which clears $19.5 million in space. That would get them most of the way to a max slot.

In order to complete the process, they’d have a couple of different options. They could either stretch the newly acquired Jon Leuer, saving them $6.2 million this season or waive Pat Connaughton and Sterling Brown, each of whom have unguaranteed contracts for next season. Milwaukee would also lose Brook Lopez in the process.

In essence, the Bucks would be breaking up their whole team just to sign one max player.  Here is a list of some of the players who are likely to receive a max contract in free agency:

  • Kyrie Irving
  • Jimmy Butler
  • Kemba Walker
  • D’Angelo Russell
  • Kawhi Leonard

Leonard is the only player who would be a clear upgrade for the Bucks over Middleton. However, it’s not just Middleton vs Player X. It’s really Middleton and everyone else the Bucks would have to give up in order to sign Player X.

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At the end of the day, there is a path for Milwaukee to create another max slot if they so desire. It’s an extremely risky one and it could backfire in a hurry. Don’t count on anything like that happening, just know the option exists.

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