Milwaukee Bucks upcoming free agents for 2022 offseason

With the Milwaukee Bucks’ title defense coming to a premature ending following a second-round loss to the Boston Celtics, it’s time to turn our attention to the offseason as Milwaukee looks to reload and get back on track.

The Bucks will be limited in resources when it comes to adding to their roster, but before we get there, let’s take a look at which current players are free agents. There are three categories of free agents Milwaukee will have to deal with–unrestricted and restricted free agents and player options–since the Bucks don’t have any team options for this offseason.

Let’s see who fits into each category.

Here are the Milwaukee Bucks’ upcoming free agents for the 2022 offseason including unrestricted and restricted as well as player options.

Unrestricted free agents

Serge Ibaka

Acquired as Brook Lopez insurance, Serge Ibaka was never needed when the Bucks’ seven-footer returned to the lineup, including at any point in the playoffs. That had to be a disappointment for Ibaka as he’s used to getting a chance to play every day. Considering how it ended, it will be surprising to see him coming back to Milwaukee.

Wesley Matthews

Wesley Matthews’ experience is at the other end of the spectrum. He was a huge early-season addition for the Bucks and played a critical role as their top wing defender throughout the regular season and playoffs. He wants to come back and play another season with his hometown team.

Jevon Carter

Jevon Carter was another terrific addition even if he didn’t play real minutes once George Hill returned to the lineup against Boston. Carter annoys opposing ball handlers 94-feet from the basket and hit enough shots to keep himself on the court.

Restricted free agents

Jordan Nwora

This will be one of the most interesting free agents to watch for Milwaukee. Jordan Nwora is a microwave scorer and can get hot quickly. However, his shot selection and overall defense leave a lot to be desired. He’ll probably want to prove himself on an NBA roster somewhere, but the Bucks also have the need for bench scoring. Could the two sides make it work?

Lindell Wiggington

There’s no need to waste a guaranteed roster spot or money on Lindell Wiggington. I could still see him coming back, but he’ll have to earn his job every step of the way.

Player Options

Bobby Portis

It will be interesting to see what Bobby Portis decides to do this summer (his player option is for a measly $4.5 million). He presumably returned to Milwaukee last year with the intention of opting out of this player option and then re-signing a longer-term, more lucrative deal with the Bucks.

Milwaukee is hamstrung in what they can offer him–a maximum 2022-23 salary of $10.9 million if it’s a two-to-four year deal. He could sign a two-year, $22.6 million deal with the Bucks and then hit free agency again before he’s 30-years-old. However, he’ll also command more than what the Bucks can pay him on the open market.

Pat Connaughton

Pat Connaughton has also earned a raise and will likely get one from the Bucks. His player option is for $5.7 million and Milwaukee can offer him an extension for up to 30 percent of the cap so the same rules don’t apply to him as it does to Portis–early bird rights for Portis vs bird rights for Connaughton. Don’t be surprised to see Connaughton opt-out and then re-sign for up to $10 million a year.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo

Thanasis Antetokounmpo is a fine use of a 15th roster spot. He’s not going to give you anything on the court, but he’s a great teammate and is, of course, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s brother. The problem is the Bucks have basically been punting on their last few roster spots and Thanasis doesn’t provide any opportunity for production. Still, his player option is only for the minimum of $1.8 million so it could be a lot worse.