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10 bigs Milwaukee Bucks should target in 2022 free agency

By Brian Sampson

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 22: Robin Lopez #33 of the Orlando Magic reacts after a call during the second half of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on November 22, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Bucks defeated the Magic 123-92. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 22: Robin Lopez #33 of the Orlando Magic reacts after a call during the second half of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on November 22, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Bucks defeated the Magic 123-92. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images) /
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With the 2022 NBA free agency period nearly here, the Milwaukee Bucks will enter the next big phase of this critical offseason.

Armed with just veteran minimum contracts and a taxpayer mid-level exception worth $6.4 million, don’t expect the Bucks to get into any bidding wars or make any huge splashes. However, they do need to improve on the margins if they want to get back to the NBA Finals.

Whether they target any big men in free agency will largely depend on Bobby Portis. Portis has a player option for the 2022-23 season that he has to make a decision on by June 29th. If he opts out and the Bucks are unable to re-sign him, getting a quality big becomes one of their top priorities. However, if he comes back to Milwaukee, they will likely just target a depth signing on a vet minimum deal.

After taking a look at guards (click here), wings (click here), and forwards (click here), here are 10 bigs they should have their eye on in free agency.

With 2022 free agency right around the corner, here are ten bigs the Milwaukee Bucks should look at signing to their team.

Hassan Whiteside

Hassan Whiteside won’t provide any outside shooting–a difficult factor to navigate if he wants to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo–but he does have other strengths that are useful. He’s still an elite shot-blocker and rebounder, two skills Milwaukee can put to good use.

DeMarcus Cousins

Fans thought Milwaukee had their backup center last season when DeMarcus Cousins flashed during his time with the team. Ultimately, they decided to part ways and Cousins landed with the Denver Nuggets. I’m not sure how a full season of Cousins’ antics would rub the Bucks, but he’s worth exploring.

Robin Lopez

Robin Lopez had a decent season with the Bucks back in 2019-20, but was ultimately unplayable in the second round of the playoffs. They did help him unveil his three-point shot, but he hasn’t been able to sustain that level of shooting since. He might want more than the veteran minimum which should take the Bucks out of any conversation.

JaVale McGee

A true vet minimum candidate, the Bucks shouldn’t sign JaVale McGee with the thought he’ll contribute come playoff time. Instead, he’d be a solid depth piece for the long and grueling regular season and someone who can bridge the gap on nights where Brook Lopez rests.

Jalen Smith

Nic Claxton

It would be odd to see the Bucks target either of these two guys, as they are youngsters who would be upside signings instead of veterans who can contribute right away. However, the Bucks don’t have many draft picks in the coming years and need to get creative about how they add cheap, young talent. Jalen Smith and Nic Claxton each have intriguing potential that could develop into useful skills down the road.

Isaiah Hartenstein

Isaiah Hartenstein may have found something with the Los Angeles Clippers last year. He emerged as their primary backup big and held his own. The Bucks should see if that’s the real deal and if he can continue that momentum across the country.

Mo Bamba

Kevon Looney

Chris Boucher

Next. Full scouting report on Bucks' draft pick Beauchamp. dark

These three players should all be in consideration if the Bucks lose Portis altogether. They each would be a stretch to accept the $6.4 million Milwaukee can offer via the taxpayer mid-level exception, but it’s worth a try. They all fit differently so it depends on exactly what the Bucks are looking for out of their third big. Hopefully, Portis accepts his player option or re-signs and this won’t even be an issue (no offense to Bamba, Looney or Boucher).

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