The Milwaukee Bucks had one goal this offseason, and it appears they accomplished it, but it came with a price.
After falling in the first round for the third straight season, every question surrounding the Bucks’ offseason was about the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP has never made much noise about wanting to leave Milwaukee, but he has been vocal about his desire to win another championship.
As they’ve done multiple times in the past, the Bucks made some big splashes to ensure Antetokounmpo feels like his team is in title contention. Of course, the big move this offseason was to sign Myles Turner.
While Turner coming to Milwaukee was certainly a shock, the most surprising part of the offseason was likely when the Bucks waived and stretched Damian Lillard. After tearing his Achilles in the playoffs, it was always possible that Lillard’s time with Milwaukee was over, but it came as a surprise to see it end so suddenly.
Now a free agent for the first time in his career, Lillard has the ability to choose his next team. While he will be out for a year, that hasn’t stopped others from trying to get the nine-time All-Star on their team, including Jayson Tatum.
In a recent article, The Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn wrote that Tatum has been recruiting Lillard to the Boston Celtics. Considering the recent playoff history between the Celtics and Bucks, there could be a little extra fuel in future matchups if Lillard ends up there.
Of course, the move was necessary to keep Antetokounmpo happy, but the prospect of seeing their former guard thrive for a rival might be a consequence the Bucks have to live with.