Two potential Milwaukee Bucks NBA free agent prospects for the 2025 offseason

带有bee perspective: The Milwaukee Bucks are approaching the 2025 NBA offseason with a sense of urgency, riding the wave of three consecutive early playoff exits and the chatter surrounding their Championship window with Giannis Antetokounmpo still wide open. The question on everybody's minds: Will Milwaukee reboot or fortify its core?

One thing is unquestionable – as the sun around which the entire franchise rotates, all decisions must revolve around Giannis. Despite a cap sheet that doesn't offer full flexibility, Milwaukee holds just enough financial dexterity to bring in significant upgrades. Two names from the league that demand attention as realistic, high-stakes targets: Gary Trent Jr. and Malcolm Brogdon.

Playoff Pyrotechnics

Milwaukee finished the 2024-25 regular season with a 48-34 record – good but far from stellar. They faced off with the Indiana Pacers in the first round of playoffs and exited in five games, marking the third year in a row they failed to advance past the first round. Built on star power, the Bucks' roster increasingly leans on aging or inconsistent supporting pieces. Short on depth, defensive acumen, and consistent shot creation, the roster lacked punch, particularly sans Damian Lillard's presence for most of the year.

This brings us to the two players the Milwaukee Bucks need to pin down as they dive into the 2025 season:

In-House Fireworks

First, the homegrown talent who ignited the spark when it mattered most. Gary Trent Jr. was a mighty scorer and tenacious two-way catalyst off the bench for the Bucks during the regular season. But, in the playoffs, he truly starred.

He scored over 30 points twice in the series against the Pacers, showcasing himself in Game 3 with a 37-point tour de force that gave the Bucks their sole win in the series. With a barrage of steals and ferocious defense, Trent demonstrated the type of intensity on defense that few Bucks guards rivaled.

Trent has been one of the league's most consistent scorers off the bench for the past few seasons, averaging over 15 points per game from 2021 to 2023. With Lillard's health still uncertain, Trent offers a dependable scoring option capable of slotting in as either a sixth man or a starting two guard. The Bucks should devote a part of the $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception to re-sign him, as keeping Giannis company on the offensive front is crucial for the upcoming season.

The Reunited Prodigal Son

If Milwaukee wishes to quell the need at point guard, Malcolm Brogdon seems like an intelligent, veteran choice. Originally selected by the Bucks in 2016, Brogdon claimed Rookie of the Year accolades and grew into a dependable, efficient combo guard during his first stint in Milwaukee.

If the Bucks can wrangle Brogdon onto a short-term, mid-level contract, they'll have bolstered their guard depth considerably while keeping the future intact. His skills would serve head coach Doc Rivers with a key rotation piece they sorely lacked last season.

Room to Reinforce

Yes, Milwaukee remains well over the salary cap, but they aren't paralyzed. They have four players – Giannis, Lillard, Kuzma, and rookie Tyler Smith – under guaranteed contracts. However, the front office still has around $55 million to work with before hitting the luxury tax threshold. That's enough wiggle room to re-sign key players and make at least one or two free-agent additions with real impact.

And we can't help but remember - this team cannot afford to remain still. Giannis' patience, legendary as it may be, isn't infinite. Every offseason is a test of Milwaukee's commitment to contending for the title. Trent and Brogdon may not be marquee names, but they are the type of high-value additions winner teams make to stay competitive and deep.

Still in the Ring

The Bucks don't require an entire makeover, they need shrewd fortifications. Trent and Brogdon represent precisely that – proven, adaptable veterans who can help Milwaukee stay afloat during the regular season and shine when the lights are brightest.

The road to championship contention begins with smart decisions, not rash ones. By re-signing Trent and teaming up with Brogdon once more, the Bucks keep Giannis engaged, the roster balanced, and their title aspirations alive. The window is hanging open, on the verge of slamming shut in 2026. It's up to Milwaukee to ensure it doesn't.

The 2026 NBA Championship remains open with Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the Milwaukee Bucks face critical decisions as they approach the offseason following three consecutive early playoff exits.
With a cap sheet that limits flexibility, the Bucks can still bring in significant upgrades, making Gary Trent Jr. and Malcolm Brogdon potential high-stakes targets.
In the 2024-25 season, the Bucks finished with a 48-34 record, exiting the playoffs in the first round for the third consecutive year, prompting the need for roster reinforcements.
Gary Trent Jr., an off-the-bench scorer and two-way catalyst for the Bucks, demonstrated his value in the 2025 playoffs, averaging over 18 points per game and showcasing intense defense.
Malcolm Brogdon, originally selected by the Bucks in 2016, could serve as an efficient combo guard and key rotation piece, bolstering Milwaukee's guard depth if acquired on a short-term, mid-level contract.
Despite being well over the salary cap, the Bucks have around $55 million in wiggle room before hitting the luxury tax threshold, allowing for re-signing key players and making free-agent additions.
Trent Jr. and Brogdon, if signed, could keep Giannis Antetokounmpo engaged, balance the roster, and keep the Bucks' title aspirations alive as they approach the 2026 Championship.