From Yahoo, a good read
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Getting a superstar with the 15th pick in the draft is what did it. All the other stuff helps, but it wouldn't have mattered without Giannis.
This topic is worth ongoing discussion. Almost as important as getting Giannis in that draft is what they do from here. The future of this team depends on what they do with the $40M in cap space they’ll have this summer.
The Bucks, as of now post trade deadline, have the 5th highest payroll in the NBA this year:
https://hoopshype.com/salaries/
With the deals they made, they picked up a serviceable backup G in Hill who will have an expiring deal next season that can be used in other deals, or kept as a player who gives them insurance if Bledsoe asks for too much to be retained. I would be surprised if Hill was kept as an $18M back-up, considering where they need to give out raises to keep younger players.
They cleared Delly and his $9M over the next 2 seasons, and combined with Teletovic’s $10.5M and Maker’s $5M, that should be enough to give out raises. But enough for all 3? If Brogdon is pursued, someone may force the Bucks hand in giving him $15-20M/year. If he gets an offer sheet like that, they cannot keep him and the Bucks will need to look to Hill, Divincenzo, and Connaughton as their 2 G rotation. But what team has that kind of space? Surely those that have the space will look to get one of those top shelf FAs this year, so maybe the Brogdon market goes luke warm.
Then Mirotic’s $12.5M also comes off the book- and with DJW and Wood waiting in the wings, you may just need to go cheaper at the position.
This summer to me tell us everything if the Bucks are going to be able to bring home LOBs or will they put Giannis in NBA hell where they’re just good enough to always be second.