The 2020-21 NBA season ended with the Milwaukee Bucks lifting the Larry O'Brien after a magnificent performance from the team in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Giannis Antetokounmpo was named NBA Finals MVP after his unique effort in the deciding series against the Phoenix Suns. Now, the team's front office must work to keep the team playing at the highest basketball level.
Questions surrounded the Milwaukee Bucks before entering the NBA Playoffs, with coach Mike Budenholzer even being in the hot seat, according to some media outlets. The team has shifted the narrative and should be able to continue its quest to championships in the future.
The 2021 NBA offseason presents the first opportunity for the Milwaukee Bucks to work towards defending their title successfully. The team is obviously built around Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday, with each member of the Bucks' 'Big Three' under a big contract.
Predictions for Milwaukee Bucks' 2021 NBA offseason
General Manager Jon Horst will have his hands full with some decisions on key role players.
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In this article, we will take a look at three things the reigning NBA champions could face or do in the 2021 NBA offseason.
Without further ado, let us take a look.
#3 Signing Jeff Green
Jeff Green's name has been linked to the Milwaukee Bucks for the 2021-22 NBA season and that makes sense, as some of the most essential role players could be set to leave Milwaukee.
Green, a 14-year NBA veteran, would be a good addition to the Milwaukee Bucks' roster due to his shooting and solid play off the bench. Green played for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2020-21 campaign and the Milwaukee Bucks suffered one of their worst losses in the NBA Playoffs, with Green playing at a high level in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semis and scoring 27 points.
Green's arrival could be great as he's been efficient in his role over the last few seasons and it could also make sense from a financial standpoint. Green's been playing under the veteran's minimum salary for the last few seasons and the trend might continue if he wants to continue playing for NBA title contenders.
Last year, he averaged 11 points per game with 49/41/77 shooting splits.
#2 P.J. Tucker remains in Milwaukee on a two-year deal
P.J. Tucker is an unrestricted free agent in the 2021 NBA offseason and the Milwaukee Bucks should prioritize the veteran's return to the Fiserv Forum, as he was more than a key player in the 2021 NBA championship for the team.
Tucker, who was the primary defender on Brooklyn Nets' superstar Kevin Durant in the Eastern Conference semis, has surely emerged as one of the vocal leaders in Milwaukee and that role should continue.
After he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks last year from the Houston Rockets, he played 20 regular-season games with Milwaukee, hitting 39% of his threes and playing lock-down defense.
Tucker started 19 of the team's 23 playoff games and even though his 3P efficiency dropped, he was playing tremendous defense throughout every series to earn his first NBA championship.
#1 Bobby Portis leaves the Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks had one of the best players in the Sixth Man role in the NBA last year with Bobby Portis. Throughout the regular season and postseason, Portis came off the bench with high energy and often gave Mike Budenholzer's team instant offense and a good impact on defense.
However, Portis is set to make a decision on a player option for the 2021-22 NBA season and it is likely that he'll decline the $3.8-million option for next year and test the free-agent market.
To be fair, it would be the best move for Portis as he had a tremendous season for the Milwaukee Bucks and showed to the entire NBA that he can be a big contributor on a championship team.
Portis averaged 11 points and seven rebounds in the regular season while playing only 20 minutes per game. He also had 52/47/74 shooting splits. In the NBA Playoffs, Portis added 8.8 points and five rebounds per night and stayed invested into the team's goal even though there were moments in which he did not play a big role due to matchups.
If Portis declines his player option, the Milwaukee Bucks could offer him a $5.9 salary this year, but he will surely draw more attention and a bigger salary form other teams around the league.
Also read: Top 3 landing spots for free-agent Bryn Forbes in the 2021 NBA offseason
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