The Milwaukee Bucks are in the midst of protecting their NBA championship, as they are tied 1-1 in their second-round series with the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Postseason. While that is where all of their focus is, it is never too early to take a peek at what to prepare for in the offseason.
For the most part, the Bucks’ core will be the same. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez and Grayson Allen are all under contract. Depth could be a concern, however, as Pat Connaughton and Bobby Portis, both have player options for the 2022-23 season.
Based on how each has played this season, they could opt out and look to cash in on more lucrative deals. Serge Ibaka, Wesley Matthews, Jordan Nwora, and Jevon Carter are all free agents as well.
Retaining all of them will be difficult as bigger opportunities and more money could be available with other teams around the league. Milwaukee will likely have some new faces in the rotation next season. One player that they should be pursuing is Victor Oladipo.
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Oladipo’s free agency will be one of the more intriguing storylines of the offseason. Injuries have derailed his once-promising career, but he has shown when on the court that he still has a lot to offer a team.
He could very well be the most sought-after free agent for contenders this offseason. Most of the teams with cap space are rebuilding and unlikely to sign Victor Oladipo, who hasn’t played in more than 36 games since the 2017-18 season. That will leave contending teams all offering some form of the mid-level exception to Oladipo for his services.
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Teams will have to differentiate their offer somehow. Milwaukee can not only pitch that they are contenders but there could be a huge role available on the wing next season, especially if Connaughton decides to move on.
Oladipo has broken into the Miami Heat rotation in the postseason with his play, so he is rounding into form. He possesses a very versatile skill set as he can fill numerous holes for a team. Need someone to run the offense in a pinch? Oladipo averages 3.9 assists per game in his career. He can be the focal point of an offense for stretches and is an improved 3-point shooter.
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Arguably the best thing he brings to the table is versatility on defense. Oladipo can defend both backcourt spots and most wing players. He would be a terror on that end of the court alongside Holiday, Middleton, and Antetkounmpo in a small-ball lineup. Good luck scoring against that king of length.
The Milwaukee Bucks should pursue Victor Oladipo because he can compensate for any holes on the roster. But, pursuing him would also keep him from landing with another contender the Bucks will be facing off against.
