3 Former Milwaukee Bucks Who Remain Unsigned

The Milwaukee Bucks didn’t make any big-ticket moves this offseason, but they did quietly make some smart additions that could pay dividends, particularly in terms of depth and versatility.

Instead of going all-in, the Bucks opted for strategic singles and doubles, bringing in three key veterans on one-year minimum deals to bolster their roster. These aren’t spectacular moves, but they could be exactly what Milwaukee needs to maintain its status as a contender.

First, there’s Delon Wright. Wright is expected to serve as Damian Lillard’s backup, but his value extends beyond that role. At 6’4” and with a wingspan that looks even bigger, Wright is a defensive-minded guard who can play alongside Lillard in certain lineups, giving the Bucks a defensive option that can help mitigate some of the challenges Lillard faces in that regard. He’s not just a stopgap: Wright brings the kind of veteran savvy that could stabilize the second unit and provide crucial minutes when Lillard needs a break.

Then there’s Taurean Prince, a versatile wing who adds an extra layer of defensive ability while spacing the floor beyond the arc. Prince’s ability to defend multiple positions and knock down three-pointers makes him a perfect fit for Milwaukee’s highly volatile defense and a valuable cog in a lineup built around the gravitational pull of Giannis Antetokounmpo. He may not be a star, but Prince is exactly the kind of role player who thrives in a system designed to maximize the strengths of its superstars.

Finally, there’s Gary Trent Jr., who might be the best draft pick of the bunch. Trent, who failed to get the long-term deal he was looking for, opted for a one-year deal with the Bucks. It’s a smart move for both parties.

For Milwaukee, they’re getting a dynamic scorer who can score from deep, much like Malik Beasley did during his brief stint with the team. For Trent, it’s a chance to showcase his talents on a contending team, with the potential to exploit them next summer. If Trent plays as expected, he could be a game-changer coming off the bench, giving Milwaukee a powerful offensive punch that they lacked at times last season.

But while the Bucks were busy signing these veterans, they also let several players leave in free agency. Interestingly, three of them remain unsigned as we get closer to the start of the season. It’s a reminder that the NBA can be unforgiving, and sometimes a good role player is left without a chair when the music stops.

Jae Crowder

The Jae Crowder experiment in Milwaukee was one of those trades that seemed perfect on paper but never came to fruition on the court. Crowder, a seasoned veteran known for his toughness and defensive ability, was supposed to bring defensive edge and the ability to move players around the court to the Bucks. But the reality was much less impactful.

Crowder struggled to find his groove in Milwaukee, and as the seasons wore on, it became clear that he wouldn’t be the difference-maker the Bucks had hoped for. Whether he had to adjust to a new system, deal with the rigors of an aging body, or simply didn’t fit in with the team’s style of play, Crowder’s time in Milwaukee was, by all accounts, disappointing. He couldn’t make the impact he wanted on either end of the floor, and his minutes dwindled as the Bucks turned to other options.

The rest of the NBA seems to have taken notice, too. As August draws to a close, Crowder remains unsigned, a stark contrast to the demand he once commanded as a coveted role player on playoff teams. The question now is whether Crowder has anything left to offer a team. At 34, with his defensive quickness declining and his shooting inconsistent, teams may be hesitant to sign him unless they are convinced he can still make a meaningful contribution.

Danilo Gallinari

Danilo Gallinari was never meant to be a central part of Milwaukee’s rotation. The veteran forward was brought in as a late-season insurance policy — an emergency backup option if one of the Bucks’ top three players missed time due to injury or needed a night off. In a perfect world, Gallinari would have remained on the bench, his presence more of a safety net than a regular contributor.

But the basketball gods had other plans. When Giannis Antetokounmpo went down, Milwaukee was left searching for answers. Enter Gallinari, who was thrust into the spotlight during the playoffs for limited playing time. To his credit, the Italian veteran did more than just fill out a jersey. Gallinari surprised everyone by showing he could still score baskets and provide some semblance of space on the court.

Yet as encouraging as these brief moments are, they also remind us of where Gallinari is in his career. At 36, with an injury history and limited mobility, Gallinari’s days as a significant contributor in the NBA are clearly behind him. His playoff run was more a matter of necessity than rebirth, a fleeting glimpse of a once-dynamic player who could stretch the floor and create imbalances.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo

Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s journey with the Bucks has always been more about heart than stats. Unfortunately, a torn Achilles tendon suffered shortly after Milwaukee’s playoff exit likely spells the end of his playing career with the Bucks, and possibly in the NBA.

Thanasis was never counted on for his on-court production: his minutes were few and his role on the floor, minimal. But his presence on the team was anything but insignificant. Thanasis was the quintessential teammate, the guy who brought energy and enthusiasm to every practice, every game, and every meeting. He was the first to cheer on his teammates, the one who was always ready to celebrate a big play, and the player who kept his spirits up even in tough times.

His contributions to the Bucks went beyond statistics. Thanasis was a culture builder, a player who understood his role and embraced it with pride. In a league where chemistry and camaraderie can be as important as talent, Thanasis was an invaluable asset. His positivity, his ability to motivate the team, and his unwavering support for his brother Giannis and the rest of the team will be sorely missed this season.