During this 2024 offseason, 34-year-old DeMar DeRozan has been a frequent subject of trade rumors. Recently, Deebo’s name surfaced to move to the Milwaukee Bucks, just like many other speculated teams. However, that has not happened yet, and the Bucks are on the verge of losing the reins of their sharpshooter. Well, it sits aptly with the team since their payroll is quite high, primarily focused on their three key players, Giannis, Damian, and Middleton. All of these three acquire about $130 million of the active $187 million salaries for the team. The fourth biggest salary that the team has is for Brook Lopez, which is worth $23 million.

However, in place of losing players to retain the potential players, the Milwaukee Bucks have chances of actually losing one of them. Malik Beasley, who signed a veteran minimum contract with the Bucks last season, is planning to sign a one-year, $6 million-plus deal with the Detroit Pistons, as per Athletic’s Shams Charania. As of now, the Bucks lack the resources to retain Beasley, having exceeded the salary cap’s second apron for the 2024-2025 season. Also, they have only non-bird rights for the 27-year-old, preventing them from giving a noteworthy raise to Beasley without using a mid-level exception. Since MLE is out of their range due to the second apron, the Bucks’ front office’s hands are tied there.

Unfortunately, it will be a great loss for Milwaukee as Beasley surpassed his worth, for which he signed the team last year. His growth with the Bucks has been immaculate compared to his previous stint with the Lakers. Beasley’s field goal percentage surged from 39.5% to 44.3% in a single year. Also, his three-point shooting improved dramatically, recording 41.3% from being 35.7% last year. That’s not it…Malik also participated in a three-point contest at All-Star weekend, leaving behind his own teammate Damian Lillard, finishing 11th on the three-pointer scoring list.

Coming to the new potential home for Beasley, there have been more than stats for the Bucks here. He is expected to sign the Detroit Pistons, which have been the biggest rivals to the Bucks for decades. Out of the 280 games that the teams have faced each other, Bucks dominate the chart with 153-127. However, the playoff run is always harsh for the Bucks, as they have lost four playoff series to the Pistons out of the five times they have met in the postseason.

Since Beasley is unaffordable for the Bucks front office right now, the suitable option for them is to go for letting some burden off their salary baggage this year. Well, it seems that the Bucks know this. After all, the trade market is heated with Brook Lopez’s trade initiation from the Bucks’ side.

Milwaukee Bucks are about to shed off their high-payroll burdens!

According to longtime Bucks writer Gery Woelfel, as of the current 2024 offseason, Milwaukee is looking to trade Brook Lopez, who represents their fourth-highest payroll expense. They are looking to trade the 36-year-old center this offseason. Also, the demand from the Bucks front office for his departure is a first-round pick added with Brook’s $23 million contract worth. However, the demand seems too high for someone of Brook Lopez’s age. It almost seems unrealistic with the new CBA terms for the teams considering the player.

Although the Milwaukee Bucks have the upper hand in the statistical dynamic for Lopez. He averaged 12.5 points and 5.2 rpg in 79 contests this season. Moreover, his field goal percentage was 48.5%, while the three-point shooting percentage was 36.6%. On top of that, his 16-year experience within the league makes him a valuable asset for any team. But it seems that it’s been too late for the Bucks, as league teams have already made their moves in trade season. The ones that are still left don’t have that much cap space.

All in all, it is not only Brook who has heated the trade market for the Bucks. Initially, the Bulls‘ small forward DeMar DeRozan was expected to join the Bucks. This season, they lacked athleticism and ball handling deep down the game. Therefore, Deebo was the best hope for the Bucks. But their high payroll is already tight enough, and they cannot fathom a big fish like DeRozan. That’s why the trade got out of the question.

Overall, the Milwaukee Bucks needed to make some tough calls at the right time. However, they did not make it. The team still has moves to play, and they can make last-minute amends to create space. This will give the Bucks flexibility for the inclusion of new talents, especially young guns, on minimums. Who do you all think can be a valuable addition to the Bucks roster, considering their current roster? Let us know in the comments.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.