The Milwaukee Bucks fell short of their quest to repeat as NBA Champions in 2022, losing to the Boston Celtics in seven games in the second round. Now, they will begin their offseason preparations.
The Bucks have a strong roster and will be looking to compete again next season. However, they could certainly look to tweak a few spots on the roster and some holes could be created depending on how free agency shakes out.
Serge Ibaka, Wesley Matthews, Jordan Nwora, and Jevon Carter are all going to be free agents this offseason. Pat Connaughton and Bobby Portis could join them as they both have player options for the 2022-23 season.
Connaughton, Portis, and Matthews were all integral parts of the team’s rotation during the postseason. Matthews was in the starting lineup when Connaughton and Portis played key roles on the second unit. Losing any of them would be tough to swallow, but you never know how free agency will shake out.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Packages For Milwaukee Bucks After Postseason Exit
The Bucks need to be prepared for everything and will have contingencies in place. Trade targets will also be compiled. One player that they should have their eyes on is Royce O’Neale of the Utah Jazz.
Utah could go into a full rebuild this offseason and someone such as O’Neale could be on the move as a result. He is a perfect fit for the current positionless basketball that the NBA is transitioning into and the Milwaukee Bucks could need some help if they lose multiple rotation players.
O’Neale is an excellent defender, normally being tasked with slowing down the opponent’s best player. He has defended point guards, wings, and some forwards, providing versatility on that end of the court. With the Bucks, he would give them another elite option to slow down opponents along with Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Packages For Milwaukee Bucks After Postseason Exit
Milwaukee missed the presence of P.J. Tucker this season and Royce O’Neale can fill a similar role. While not as physically imposing, he offers positional versatility on the defensive end and excellent 3-point shooting.
Tucker would spend most of his time camped out in the corners, but O’Neale gets the job done from all around the 3-point line. For his career, O’Neale is a 38.1 percent 3-point shooter, an excellent number and one that could increase with the number of open looks Antetokounmpo generates for his teammates.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Packages For Milwaukee Bucks After Postseason Exit
Building a trade package for him, however, will present some challenges. The Milwaukee Bucks are limited in what they can offer in a trade, as Grayson Allen is the only salary that would match Royce O’Neale’s $9.2 million.
Would Milwaukee be willing to part with someone they just signed to an extension in Allen? It will be something they have to consider as he is likely their most tradeable player in terms of matching money if they want to bring in some new players this offseason.
