The Milwaukee Bucks have already secured their best players for the 2023-24 season (and beyond). Khris Middleton is returning to Milwaukee on a three-year deal while Brook Lopez turned down more money from the Houston Rockets to rejoin the Bucks.
In addition, the Bucks are bringing back Jae Crowder on a one-year contract after sending away five second round picks for him late in the season. Unfortunately, these moves leave the team with little wiggle room when it comes to signing other free agents.
Still, there will be plenty of quality free agents available willing to sign with the Bucks for the chance to win a coveted NBA Championship. However, one of those players, Eric Gordon, has signed with the Phoenix Suns, who already boast a roster that includes Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
Free agent Eric Gordon has agreed to a deal with the Phoenix Suns, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Massive get for the Suns.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2023
The Milwaukee Bucks Were Interested in Signing Eric Gordon

Bucks fans know that Milwaukee has literally no cap space to sign any players beyond a veteran minimum at this point. Even before Middleton and Lopez re-signed, it was presumed that they would be back.
Perhaps that is why it was so surprising when multiple reports stated the the Bucks were interested in signing Gordon, who averaged 12.4 points while shooting 37.1% from three last season while playing for the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers.
How were the Suns able to sign Gordon? After all, they have a higher payroll than the Bucks do going into the 2023-24 season, with four players making over $30 million (and two of them making over $40 million).
The financial aspects of Gordon’s contract have not been released, but he could only have signed using two different salaries. Either the Suns signed him using their $4.975 million trade exception, or they signed him to a veteran minimum.
In any case, it is not much money considering the quality season Gordon had last year. He signed a small, inexpensive deal with the Suns because he presumably thinks they will win a Championship this year.
Hopefully the Bucks can prove him wrong.
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