The Milwaukee Bucks fell significantly short of their goal for the 2023-24 NBA season: winning the NBA Championship. Consequently, they now face an offseason full of questions about their roster and which players will stay or leave. Following their elimination from the NBA Playoffs by the Indiana Pacers, veteran forward Jae Crowder hinted that he would be one of the free agents not returning.
Milwaukee will have several decisions to make as they aim to build the best roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Last offseason, all their free agent signings were made to complement Giannis as the main star. However, a late-offseason trade for Lillard altered the team’s dynamic.
Adding Lillard was a long-term strategy aimed at winning multiple titles, but it didn’t necessarily boost their title chances for 2023-24. Without Jrue Holiday, the Bucks lacked a strong defensive presence. While Lillard was a significant offensive upgrade, Holiday’s defensive skills were difficult to replace.
The Milwaukee Bucks Tried to Make Malik Beasley Their Defensive Stopper
A year ago, Bucks fans were thrilled when the team signed free agent shooting guard Malik Beasley for a veteran minimum. At the time, the Lillard trade had not yet happened, and Beasley was expected to be a key three-point shooter for Giannis.
Beasley met expectations offensively, averaging 11.3 points per game and shooting a career-best 41% from three-point range. He even earned a spot in the Three-Point Contest during NBA All-Star Weekend. His 224 made three-pointers ranked second in franchise history behind Ray Allen’s 229 during the 2001-02 season.
Despite his offensive contributions, Beasley struggled to fill the role of primary defensive stopper in the backcourt, a void left by Holiday. Although he tried his best, replacing Holiday’s defense was a tall order.
With a full offseason to plan for a roster that includes Lillard (who made 220 three-point shots last season, the third-most in franchise history), it is clear that Beasley will not be part of Milwaukee’s future plans.
NBA Insider Says Malik Beasley Will Not Return to the Milwaukee Bucks Next Season
While there could be a spot for Beasley on the roster if he chose to return, his role on offense would be much diminished. Head coach Doc Rivers had already moved Beasley to the bench, where he would likely remain if he stayed.
NBA insider Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report recently reported that Beasley will not return to Milwaukee for the 2024-25 season. “Malik Beasley has played his last game for the Milwaukee Bucks,” he stated.
Now, the Bucks need to find a shooter who can match Beasley’s 41% accuracy from three-point range, as well as secure one or two versatile defenders for their roster.