Damian Lillard attempted to get Haywood Highsmith to join him on the Bucks before the forward re-signed with the Heat. So far, the Milwaukee Bucks have remained relatively quiet during NBA free agency. They have limited freedom in terms of adding new players as a second apron team, which led to Damian Lillard persuading free agent forward Haywood Highmsith to join the Bucks before he re-signed with the Heat for two years and $10 million, according to the rumored Barry Jackson.
“The Bucks and Suns offered minimum contracts. Damian Lillard contacted Haywood to lobby him. The Heat were lucky that he did not have a greater offer elsewhere while the Heat remained non-committal. It worked out for the best; the Heat need his perimeter defense. 14 roster positions.
Last season, Highsmith averaged 6.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while playing a rotating role for the Heat and establishing as a versatile forward who can play several spots.
He’d be a significant signing for the Bucks, who lack the perimeter athleticism Highsmith would provide, but the Heat will keep him as another of their developing success stories.
The Bucks have made no major moves this summer, with the signing of Delon Wright on a minimum contract serving as their most significant addition. While Wright is a defensive-minded guard who can complement Lillard perfectly, it is insufficient to enable the Bucks reclaim their playoff spot.
The Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the 2024 playoffs, and they have seen teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks make significant strides to compete with the Boston Celtics. The Bucks have attempted to make upgrades, but their asset-limited and aging roster will not allow them to make any significant moves.
The Bucks Need to Target Brandon Ingram.
The Bucks currently have no movable draft picks in their arsenal, having used their assets on trades to acquire Jrue Holiday in 2020 and Damian Lillard in 2023. With the aging and frequently injured nucleus of Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have few options for improving their squad.
They’ve recently been connected to Brandon Ingram, who could be the best player available this offseason.
“It’s difficult to find a reasonable deal that will allow Ingram to find a new, long-term home while also allowing the Pelicans to obtain what they need in return. Teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers might employ Ingram to improve their title prospects.”
This season, Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. He would immensely assist the Bucks’ inability to rely on their offense to carry the team through difficult times. Given the Pelicans’ void, the Bucks will have to part ways with either Brook Lopez or Bobby Portis Jr. due to a lack of draft assets. Have at the center. This isn’t the perfect move, and the Bucks will need to do more to fill out their roster, but it’s a noticeable increase at the top of the roster, giving Giannis more room on the floor.
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