“I saw somebody say, ‘Dame’s not happy in Milwaukee’ or something like that. And I know the truth.” This was Damian Lillard‘s response in April after reports indicated the Bucks’ guard’s discontent with his life in Milwaukee. Dame made it clear that he was committed to the Bucks’ cause, and he proved that again with his recent actions.

Despite an underwhelming season with the Bucks, Lillard is hoping to be on the same wavelength as the franchise. That mindset was reflected recently when the 8-time NBA All-Star actively tried to help the franchise with their recruitment amid free agency struggles.

Since the free agency tipped off last week, the market is getting dry at a rapid pace. With almost all the big names fished away, it’s time for desperation for some franchises and the Milwaukee Bucks are one of them. Haywood Highsmith was available on free agency up until earlier today before the Miami franchise re-signed him with a 2-year, $11 million deal. But before that, Damian Lillard reportedly tried to recruit him for the Bucks by reaching out to Highsmith. “Bucks and Suns offered minimum deals. Damian Lillard called Haywood to lobby him. Heat ended up being fortunate that he didn’t have a higher offer elsewhere while the Heat remained non-committal with him. Worked out for the best; Heat needs his perimeter defense. 14 roster spots full,” Miami-based reporter, Barry Jackson revealed.

Before the start of free agency, Doc Rivers emphasized the importance of having the right mix of youth and experience in the squad. “We’re looking for other guys, more veterans, to add to the mix. I like the mix of guys I think we’re going to end up with and it’s exactly the ratio that we want right now,” Rivers said during the draft pick introduction press conference. Currently, the Bucks are a second-apron team, which means they can’t sign a free agent for more than the league minimum. That was the exact offer tabled for Highsmith, but the Heat’s $11 million offer beat them to have the forward return next season. That leaves the Bucks with only three free-agent signings so far. But will that be enough to aid Damian Lillard and Co. next season?

Looking at Bucks’ free agency moves amid Damian Lillard’s failed attempt

The Bucks are currently over $15.2 million of the first luxury tax apron and $4.4 million over the second. This means their signings in the free agency would have to be far from glamorous. And that has been the case so far. After losing Malik Beasley to the Pistons, the Bucks needed to find a like-for-like replacement. They got one in Stanley Umude but was given a two-way contract. The point guard position is where the Bucks have a deep pool of players. With Lillard leading the pecking order, they included Delon Wright from the Heat.

The forward position also needed strengthening, and the Bucks snapped up Taurean Prince in free agency. The former Lakers forward averaged 8.9 points last season in 27 minutes of play while cleaning up the board with 2.9 RPG. As a starter, the Rip City side already has Khris Middleton, so Prince’s inclusion provides a much-needed option from the bench. With Brook Lopez available for trade, the Bucks can bring in someone with a $23 million per year deal due to the CBA restrictions. That necessarily doesn’t have to be a center as the Bucks are looking to move away from the traditional frontcourt approach. Who they’ll get is a question as of now. With Giannis Antetokounmpo on Greece duty, the onus will be on Damian Lillard if the franchise needs him again to convince someone and hopefully with a positive result.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what brand maker, Leonard Armato, had to say about the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe, check out this video