The Milwaukee Bucks have officially bought out backup guard Vasilije Micic, making him a free agent as of July 7. This move is part of a strategic financial effort to ease the team’s salary cap pressures, enabling the Bucks to better support their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and strengthen their championship prospects.
Micic’s Playing History and Career Shift
Micic joined the Bucks through a trade deal that sent Pat Connaughton and two second-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets. Before arriving in the NBA, Micic spent nearly a decade showcasing his talents in the EuroLeague, where he averaged 13.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game from 2014 to 2023. His NBA journey began with the Oklahoma City Thunder but gained more momentum during one and a half seasons with the Hornets, contributing 9.0 points and 4.7 assists over 66 games, including 37 starts.
Following the buyout, Micic has decided to continue his basketball career overseas, returning to the EuroLeague instead of pursuing further opportunities in the NBA.
Financial Maneuvers Behind the Buyout
The decision to release Micic aligns with the Bucks’ broader financial plan, which also involved waiving Damian Lillard. This strategy is designed to reduce the team’s salary cap commitments as they prepare for the upcoming season. According to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Micic agreed to give up $6.1 million in salary through the buyout, lowering his cap hit from $8.1 million to roughly $2 million.
This approach allows the Bucks to stretch the financial impact of the contracts for both Micic and Lillard, maneuvering around salary cap restrictions as outlined by the NBA’s collective bargaining rules.
Implications for the Bucks’ Roster and Future Plans
With this financial flexibility, Milwaukee intends to focus on assembling a stronger supporting cast around Giannis Antetokounmpo as they enter the next NBA season. These moves illustrate the urgent need for the Bucks to maintain their status as contenders while adapting to changing personnel and economic constraints.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Giannis Antetokounmpo 7/0?
A. Giannis Sina Ougko Ugo Antetokounmpo, born on December 6, 1994, is a Greek basketball player in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks. Standing 213 cm (7 feet) tall, his unique mix of size, speed, and ball-handling earned him the nickname “Greek Freak.”