With the NBA in a Quiet Stretch, the Bucks Look to Build on a Busy Free Agency and Summer League Showing
Well, we’re in the doldrums of the NBA offseason. The opening of free agency—which was busy for the Bucks—and Summer League came and went. Now we’ve entered that quiet stretch between the summer action and training camp, a time when rosters are largely set and front offices turn their attention from transaction frenzy to preparation and evaluation. For the Milwaukee Bucks, this offseason has been anything but idle, even if the buzz around the league has faded into a lull. While other franchises may be lying in wait, Milwaukee has been laying a foundation for another run at a title.
From the moment the Bucks were eliminated from the playoffs, questions loomed large about the direction of the franchise. Injuries derailed what could have been a championship-caliber season, and with the Eastern Conference only growing more competitive, it was clear the Bucks couldn’t afford to stand pat. Management responded with an aggressive free agency period focused on retooling around their aging core, while the Summer League offered a first look at potential contributors for the future.
Perhaps the most significant storyline of Milwaukee’s offseason was the front office’s commitment to maintaining championship relevance. Giannis Antetokounmpo, while still in his prime, has made it known that he’s not interested in complacency. That message wasn’t lost on the Bucks brass. The team moved quickly in free agency to address depth concerns, defensive versatility, and shooting—three areas that were exploited in their early playoff exit.
The Bucks re-signed key contributors and added several under-the-radar pieces who could offer immediate value. Retaining Malik Beasley was important given his improved shooting and growing defensive commitment. He became a trusted floor spacer next to Giannis and Damian Lillard, and his return ensures some continuity on the wing. The team also retained Patrick Beverley, whose toughness and vocal leadership were evident in the latter half of the season. While Beverley’s on-court production isn’t what it once was, his presence in the locker room and playoff experience provide intangibles that are hard to quantify.
More intriguingly, Milwaukee added some new faces who could inject energy and youth into a roster that was beginning to show signs of age. The signing of Delon Wright is one such move. Wright is a capable combo guard with the ability to defend multiple positions and run an offense in spurts. He’s not flashy, but he’s solid, and for a team that struggled with bench stability, he could be a stabilizing presence.
In a similarly measured move, the Bucks brought in Taurean Prince, a journeyman wing with a strong defensive pedigree and a career 37% mark from beyond the arc. He offers switchability and the ability to guard up and down a lineup, which should make him a useful tool in a playoff series where matchups often dictate rotation minutes. The Bucks didn’t make a splashy acquisition, but their moves suggest a front office that knows exactly what its core needs to compete—flexibility, shooting, and grit.
While free agency filled out the edges of the roster, the Summer League gave Bucks fans a chance to glimpse the future. Milwaukee entered Las Vegas without much fanfare, but several players took advantage of the spotlight to show they might be ready to contribute sooner than expected. The standout was undoubtedly second-year forward Chris Livingston. After seeing limited action during his rookie campaign, Livingston looked confident and aggressive in Summer League play. His ability to attack off the dribble, hit mid-range shots, and defend multiple positions was on full display. If he can translate that into regular-season contributions, he may force his way into head coach Doc Rivers’ rotation.
Another name that drew attention was Tyler Smith, Milwaukee’s second-round draft pick. Smith’s shooting stroke and floor spacing potential were impressive, especially for a big man. Though still raw defensively and in need of physical development, his offensive upside is tantalizing. The Bucks haven’t had many young, stretch bigs in recent years, and Smith offers a new wrinkle for a team often reliant on traditional frontcourt players.
Even undrafted free agent Jazian Gortman made waves with his pace, vision, and poise. Gortman isn’t likely to crack the rotation immediately, but the Bucks’ development staff has shown a knack for finding and cultivating talent in unexpected places. Gortman could follow in the footsteps of players like A.J. Green and Andre Jackson Jr., who made the most of limited opportunities to carve out niche roles.
Still, it would be a mistake to assume these Summer League flashes guarantee regular-season impact. Milwaukee remains a veteran-driven team, built around the superstar trio of Giannis, Lillard, and Khris Middleton. But the infusion of youth, however limited their roles may be, provides necessary insurance against injury and aging legs over the course of a long NBA season. The Bucks need to find that balance between contending now and preparing for what’s next—and this offseason suggests they’re starting to think long term without sacrificing short-term competitiveness.
Beyond player movement and development, there’s also the matter of coaching. Doc Rivers took over midseason last year under difficult circumstances. With a full training camp ahead of him and input into roster decisions, this will be his first real opportunity to put his stamp on the team. Rivers has always thrived with veteran rosters, and the Bucks certainly fit that mold. How he manages minutes, develops rotations, and fosters buy-in from young and old alike will be pivotal to Milwaukee’s success.
The stakes are undeniably high. The Eastern Conference is a gauntlet, with Boston still looming large, New York on the rise, and Cleveland, Indiana, and Philadelphia all fighting to break through. Milwaukee no longer has the cushion of being the unquestioned top dog in the conference. Injuries, defensive lapses, and inconsistencies on the bench cost them dearly last season. If those same issues persist, another early playoff exit is a real possibility.
However, this offseason suggests a front office unwilling to let that happen. There was no drastic overhaul—no trade of Middleton, no seismic shift—but there was a clear acknowledgment that tweaks were necessary. By reinforcing the bench, adding defensive versatility, and bringing in proven veterans, the Bucks have positioned themselves to make a deeper run.
Of course, the question looming over everything is health. Giannis’ knee issues, Middleton’s durability, and Lillard’s mileage all matter more than any offseason addition. If those three can stay healthy and click under Rivers’ system, the Bucks remain one of the most dangerous teams in basketball. But if the injury bug bites again, even the best-laid plans may unravel.
For now, Bucks fans can take solace in a front office that is engaged and proactive. They didn’t chase headlines, but they made smart, targeted moves that fit the identity of the team. They found value in veterans, gave youth a chance to grow, and set the stage for what they hope is a bounce-back year.
The NBA offseason may be in a lull, but Milwaukee has used the quiet to get its house in order. The real noise will come in October, when the games count again. Until then, all the Bucks can do is prepare—and they’ve done just that.
