The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly eyeing veteran guards Dennis Schroder, Tyus Jones, and Malcolm Brogdon as they prepare for a pivotal offseason with Damian Lillard sidelined.
According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, rival teams believe Milwaukee will aim to stay below the $196 million first apron, giving the front office access to a larger portion of the $14 million midlevel exception.
That flexibility may be used to address the point guard position, which becomes a top priority following Lillard’s Achilles tear during the Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.
All three candidates—Schroder, Jones, and Brogdon—are set to become unrestricted free agents this summer.
Schroder, 31, had stints with Brooklyn, Golden State, and Detroit this season, averaging 18.4 points and 6.6 assists per game with the Nets before his role shifted midseason. He ended the regular season with the Pistons, appearing in 28 games and contributing 10.8 points and 5.3 assists per contest.
In the playoffs, Schroder’s efficiency improved, as he shot 49.1% from the field and 47.6% from deep in six games with Detroit.
Jones, 29, started 58 games for the Phoenix Suns in 2024–25, averaging 10.2 points and 5.3 assists while shooting 41.4% from beyond the arc.
Brogdon, 32, played 24 games for the Washington Wizards this season, averaging 12.7 points and 4.1 assists on 43.3% shooting.
The Bucks finished the season 48–34 and captured the NBA Cup in December but exited the playoffs in the first round for the third straight year.
With Lillard’s timetable uncertain and limited trade capital available, Milwaukee’s most realistic path to roster improvement lies in free agency and smart use of the midlevel exception.
Uncertainty also surrounds Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term commitment. While he remains under contract through 2027, his future reportedly hinges on the team’s ability to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.
This offseason, the Bucks will also need to make decisions on the futures of Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, and Gary Trent Jr.
