Milwaukee Bucks Face Roster decisions After Thanasis Antetokounmpo Re-Signing
The milwaukee Bucks are navigating a roster crunch following the re-signing of Thanasis Antetokounmpo on August 31st. Antetokounmpo returns after missing the entire 2023-24 season due to an Achilles tendon tear sustained in a workout following the Bucks’ playoff exit.
Originally drafted by the New York Knicks in 2014, Antetokounmpo has played primarily with Milwaukee, averaging 2.4 points and 1.6 rebounds per game between 2019 and 2024. His re-signing brings the Bucks to 15 fully guaranteed contracts for the upcoming season, creating competition for limited roster spots.
Prior to Antetokounmpo’s return, Milwaukee had 14 guaranteed contracts, leaving one spot open. Andre Jackson Jr. and Amir Coffey were previously competing for that final position. Jackson Jr. offers significant defensive potential,potentially being Milwaukee’s best perimeter defender,capable of guarding multiple positions. However, his offensive game is underdeveloped, and he struggles with foul trouble. His contract is partially guaranteed for $800,000, becoming fully guaranteed if he remains on the roster by opening night.Coffey, a 6-foot-7 wing, averaged a career-high 9.7 points per game last season while shooting 40.9% from three-point range. Despite his production, he was unable to secure a guaranteed contract this summer and is currently on a training camp deal.
The Bucks aren’t necessarily constrained by financial limitations; they are under the first apron and ownership has demonstrated a willingness to absorb salary costs. The challenge lies in determining which player to release. Thanasis Antetokounmpo is considered secure due to his relationship with his brother, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Other players potentially vulnerable include Chris Livingston, who has a connection to Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports agency, a relationship that has previously influenced Bucks’ personnel decisions. Rookie Tyler Smith, selected 33rd overall in the 2024 draft, is another consideration. While possessing talent, Smith is currently considered raw and needs development in both strength and speed to define a clear positional role.
Ultimately, the final roster composition will be determined through training camp and preseason performance. The Bucks are balancing the need to maintain team chemistry and player morale,especially regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo,with the goal of optimizing the performance of the back end of their roster.
