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Milwaukee Bucks Initial Buyout Candidates Big Board

By Brian Sampson

Apr 12, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Patrick Beverley (22) throws his jersey into the crowd after the Timberwolves secured a play-off spot by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in a play-in game at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Patrick Beverley (22) throws his jersey into the crowd after the Timberwolves secured a play-off spot by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in a play-in game at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Milwaukee Bucks are wheeling and dealing. After finally striking a trade for Jae Crowder, they will likely test the upcoming buyout market for a veteran or two.

The Bucks shipped away George Hill, Serge Ibaka, Jordan Nwora, and five second-round picks to acquire Crowder. That leaves them with two open roster spots and an NBA rule that they must field at least 14 players. Milwaukee will have up to two weeks before they are required to fill that 14th spot.

With the acquisition of Crowder, their biggest gaps are a fourth big man, a third point guard and another three-and-D wing (you can never have too many of those).

With two open roster spots, the Milwaukee Bucks can scour the buyout market and sign a veteran or two for the stretch run.

Buyouts haven’t been finalized, even though reports are starting to trickle in about who potential candidates are. This ranking is based on who will likely become available and further lists will be released once we get a clearer picture of who is available. It also considers the Bucks’ needs and fit and isn’t a ranking of players based on their skills and talent level.

Milwaukee Bucks Initial Buyout Candidates Big Board

  1. Patrick Beverley, Combo
  2. Dewayne Dedmon, Big
  3. Nerlens Noel, Big
  4. Will Barton, Wing
  5. Reggie Jackson, Combo
  6. John Wall, Point
  7. Terrence Ross, Wing
  8. Justin Holiday, Forward
  9. Kevin Love, Big
  10. Danny Green, Wing
  11. Russell Westbrook, Combo

Patrick Beverley, Combo

As of now, Beverley is the top guy on my list. I have the need for a third point guard below their need for a fourth big, but Beverley is clearly better than any available big man. He would provide insurance as an impactful playoff defender behind Jevon Carter and would provide more toughness Milwaukee values.

Dewayne Dedmon, Big

Dedmon hasn’t been very good this season, but his appearance at no. 2 speaks more to Milwaukee’s desperate need for a fourth big. When everyone is healthy, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis are the only capable big men on the roster. That’s fine 90 percent of the time, but I still have my eye on a potential Joel Embiid and Philadelphia 76ers matchup in the postseason. If Lopez goes down or gets into foul trouble, it will be a world of hurt for the Bucks.

Will Barton, Wing

Barton is probably one of the best players on the list, but Milwaukee doesn’t have a great need on the wing after trading for Crowder. They’re a bit overloaded at the position, with Grayson Allen, Pat Connaughton, MarJon Beauchamp, Khris Middleton, Wesley Matthews, Crowder and Joe Ingles all capable of playing the 2 or the 3. However, adding talent is never a bad thing.

Russell Westbrook, Combo

Westbrook is still a decent player, but isn’t anybody I want the Bucks to mess with. He still sees himself as an MVP candidate and plays very little defense. He would mess with Milwaukee’s chemistry, nonetheless their on-the-court product. They should stay far away from him.

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