NBA teams aren’t exactly cheap to operate these days due to the massive amount of money needed to make a franchise run. The Milwaukee Bucks, in particular, falls under that category because of all the expenses they incurred from the past years.
The Bucks face a challenging offseason after a first-round playoff exit. Their core players – two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, point guard Damian Lillard, All-Star wing Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and others – are all under contract for next season. However, their high payroll and luxury tax payments will severely limit their ability to add significant reinforcements.
The Bucks will have to rely heavily on their existing roster, which includes some key free agents like Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, and Jae Crowder. Retaining these players on team-friendly deals will be crucial, as the Bucks have little financial flexibility to work with.
Their biggest offseason moves may involve managing the roster and payroll rather than making splashy additions. They’ll need to carefully navigate the salary cap and luxury tax thresholds, potentially exploring trades or other cost-cutting measures to create even a small amount of spending room.
Overall, the Bucks face a challenging summer, with little room to maneuver but a need to improve their supporting cast around Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Their ability to maximize their limited resources will be key to their chances of bouncing back next season.
The Amount of Money Milwaukee Bucks Spent and What Happened To It
At this point in time, the Bucks have a complete roster to field for the upcoming season, leading to the spending of their money on these guys According to an NBA analysis by Eric Pincus for Bleacher Report, the team is among the least cheap teams in the league right now.
Tax paid since 2017: $189.2 million
Kickback $ since 2017: $5.5 million
Net since 2017: +$183.6 million
Titles since 2017: One
NBA Finals since 2017: One
Playoffs since 2017: Seven
Lottery since 2017: Zero
2024-25 Projected Tax: $74.8 million
The Bucks’ record speaks for itself. The team hasn’t missed the playoffs over the last seven years and won its first title since 1971. While some top-spending teams have started adjusting to the new rules, Milwaukee is still a heavy taxpayer.
Choosing Damian Lillard over Jrue Holiday (the bigger star vs. the best role-playing guard in the league) can be debated, but that decision was the opposite of cheap for Milwaukee.
Cheap or No? Based on market size relative to the top two spenders, the Bucks may be the least cheap of the 30.
The Bucks have high potential with their star-studded roster, but face uncertainties around injuries, player chemistry, and coaching. A projected 52-30 regular season record is reasonable, though their playoff success hinges on the team’s ability to overcome challenges and establish cohesion as they pursue an NBA championship.
The team’s total expenses should at least lead to a tangible result in the coming season, such as their projected record Milwaukee may achieve. In any case, spending money these days is almost a must for any NBA team to win it big in the league.
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