The Milwaukee Bucks are once again back in the NBA offseason spotlight. This time. It is not for signing a rising star or trading for a defensive anchor. Instead. Rumors are swirling that the Bucks have shown interest in a 5 time NBA All Star who may be past his prime.
This news has fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. While the player’s résumé is impressive. His current skill set may not align with what Milwaukee truly needs. For a team built around the elite talents of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Adding another aging scorer with defensive issues may create more problems than solutions.
So who is this mystery All Star. And why would his potential arrival in Milwaukee raise so many questions.
According to multiple league insiders. The player linked to the Bucks is DeMar DeRozan. A skilled veteran wing who has made five All Star appearances over his long NBA career. DeRozan is known for his mid range scoring. crafty footwork. and calm demeanor in high pressure situations.
Over the last few seasons with the Chicago Bulls. DeRozan has remained a productive scorer. Averaging around 24 points per game. Despite playing in his mid thirties. He remains one of the league’s most efficient isolation players.
So why are some calling him an odd fit for Milwaukee. The answer lies in his playstyle. defensive ability. and how he would mesh with the current Bucks core.
The Bucks already boast two high usage players in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Together. They carry the majority of the offensive load. Both demand the ball in clutch moments and run the offense through pick and rolls or isolation sets.
DeRozan is also a ball dominant scorer who operates best in the midrange. Adding him to this mix could cause spacing issues and force someone to sacrifice touches. His lack of three point shooting would also hurt floor spacing. Something the Bucks need to maximize Giannis’s effectiveness in the paint.
Rather than adding another shot creator. Milwaukee might benefit more from role players who can shoot from deep. defend multiple positions. and complement their stars.
DeRozan has never been known for his defense. In fact. His teams have often struggled on the defensive end when he plays heavy minutes. At 34 years old. It is unlikely he will suddenly become a defensive stopper.
The Bucks already had defensive issues last season. Especially when facing quick guards and wings. With the departure of Jrue Holiday. Their perimeter defense took a big hit. While they added Pat Beverley and Malik Beasley. Relying on older or undersized defenders did not solve the problem.
Bringing in DeRozan would likely weaken the team further on defense. Unless he comes off the bench. Which seems unlikely given his status.
Another challenge is whether DeRozan would accept a reduced role on a contending team. He has been a starter for his entire career. With major usage rates wherever he has played.
If Milwaukee expects him to come off the bench or act as a third or fourth option. That adjustment may not go smoothly. Chemistry and locker room dynamics matter. And the Bucks cannot afford distractions while chasing another championship.
Teams like the Bucks need veterans who are willing to sacrifice stats for wins. The question is. Would DeRozan be comfortable taking fewer shots. Playing fewer minutes. And focusing on leadership.
DeRozan may not command a max contract. But he will still expect a decent salary. Especially after productive years in Chicago.
The Bucks are already in a tight financial situation. With huge contracts committed to Giannis. Lillard. Khris Middleton. and Brook Lopez. Adding another high salary could trigger luxury tax penalties.
Unless DeRozan is willing to take a significant pay cut to chase a ring. This move does not make financial sense. The Bucks would be better off spreading that money across two or three quality role players.
If the Bucks are serious about improving. They should target players who bring outside shooting. versatile defense. and high energy off the bench.
Younger wings like Saddiq Bey. or experienced 3 and D players like Nicolas Batum. would offer much more balance than DeRozan. Even bringing back Jae Crowder or pursuing a defensive guard would help the roster more.
Milwaukee’s window to win is now. Every move needs to be calculated. Purposeful. And built around maximizing Giannis and Lillard’s partnership. DeRozan does not check those boxes.
The rumor has triggered mixed reactions. Some Bucks fans are excited about the idea of adding another scorer who can deliver in clutch situations. Others are deeply concerned about the fit and long term impact.
NBA analysts are mostly cautious. ESPN’s Zach Lowe recently said. “DeRozan is still talented. But you have to ask. Is he helping or just adding name value.”
Most agree that unless DeRozan accepts a sixth man role and reduced salary. This signing could backfire.
The Milwaukee Bucks linking themselves to DeMar DeRozan is surprising. Not because he is a bad player. But because he simply does not fit what this roster needs in 2025.
They already have star power. They already have scoring. What they lack is depth. perimeter defense. and three point shooting.
Adding a ball dominant midrange scorer who struggles defensively and carries a big salary might create more problems than it solves.
If the Bucks truly want to contend for another title. They should focus on building around Giannis and Lillard with smart. two way role players. Not big names chasing one last contract.
DeRozan is a legend in his own right. But in Milwaukee. he would be an awkward piece in an already complex puzzle.
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