Milwaukee Bucks: NBA Insider Confirms Star Guard Will Not Return Next Season…
The Milwaukee Bucks fell short of their 2023-24 NBA Championship aspirations, leading to another offseason filled with questions about their roster. Following their playoff elimination by the Indiana Pacers, veteran forward Jae Crowder hinted he might not return as he becomes a free agent.
The Bucks will see more changes as they aim to build the best team around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Last offseason’s signings were meant to complement Giannis, but a late trade for Lillard shifted the roster dynamics.
Adding Lillard was a strategic move for long-term success, though it did not necessarily improve their 2023-24 title chances. Without Jrue Holiday, the Bucks missed a key defender. While Lillard enhanced their offense, few could match Holiday’s defensive prowess.
The Milwaukee Bucks Attempted to Make Malik Beasley Their Defensive Anchor
Bucks fans were thrilled when Malik Beasley signed for the veteran minimum. Before the Lillard trade, the plan was for Beasley to be a significant offensive threat alongside Giannis.
Beasley delivered, averaging 11.3 points per game and shooting a career-best 41% from three-point range, earning a spot in the NBA All-Star Weekend Three-Point Contest. His 224 made three-pointers rank second in franchise history, behind Ray Allen’s 229 in the 2001-02 season.
Despite his offensive success, Beasley struggled as the team’s primary backcourt defender, unable to fill Holiday’s defensive shoes.
With a full offseason to plan a roster including Lillard (who made 220 three-pointers last season, third-most in franchise history), it’s clear Beasley is not part of the future plans.
NBA Insider Confirms Malik Beasley Will Not Return to the Milwaukee Bucks Next Season
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, Malik Beasley will not return to the Bucks for the 2024-25 season. Although there could be a place for him, his role on offense would be significantly diminished, as head coach Doc Rivers has moved him to the bench.
The Bucks now need to find a shooter who can match Beasley’s 41% three-point shooting and acquire versatile defenders for their roster.
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