The Milwaukee Bucks missed out on securing Bradley Beal but quickly shifted focus by re-signing promising young wing Chris Livingston to a one-year contract. This move was announced shortly after the Bucks fell short in the Bradley Beal Bucks signing pursuit. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Livingston’s new deal is valued at $2.3 million.
Livingston, a former Kentucky forward and the Bucks’ second-round pick (58th overall) in 2023, has struggled to find consistent playing time in his first two <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA seasons. He has appeared in 42 games, averaging just 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds with a field goal percentage of 40.8%. However, his recent performance in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has generated optimism, as the 6-foot-6 wing is putting up solid numbers, averaging 20 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 50% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range.
Why the Bucks and Bradley Beal Were Close But Not Aligned
The Bucks were among the six teams that engaged in detailed discussions with Beal, who showed interest in joining Milwaukee, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Shams Charania confirmed the Bucks’ inclusion alongside suitors like the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat. Despite the strong mutual interest, Beal ultimately chose to sign a two-year, $11 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. This decision came after Beal agreed to give up $13.8 million to complete his buyout with the Phoenix Suns.
The Clippers’ star James Harden played a key role in recruiting Beal, convincing him to join their backcourt. This opportunity arose after the Clippers traded Norman Powell to the Miami Heat in a three-team deal that returned forward John Collins to the roster.
“The crux of the decision for Beal and his representation was finding the best basketball situation first and foremost once he was granted permission by the Suns to speak to interested suitors around the NBA, and Bartelstein led an exhaustive process over the last few weeks,”
—Shams Charania, Senior NBA Insider
The Bucks’ Response to Trade Speculation Surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo
As rumors swirled about the future of their franchise cornerstone, the Bucks showed confidence that superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo remains committed to Milwaukee. The team’s president, Peter Feigin, addressed trade speculation during the NBATV Summer League broadcast with a calm tone.
“We kind of laugh internally. It’s where we’ve been for ten years,”
“Giannis loves Milwaukee, Milwaukee loves Giannis. We’re in a good place. We feel great about it. It’s business as usual.”
—Peter Feigin, Bucks President
The Bucks made significant roster changes to support Giannis for the coming seasons. After losing veteran center Brook Lopez to free agency, the team acquired younger center Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers. In a surprising move, the Bucks waived Damian Lillard, absorbing $113 million remaining on his contract as dead money over five years to clear salary cap room and enable the Turner signing.
“We looked at the opportunity to acquire a highly productive, elite free agent, who is in the prime of his career, and who is an incredible fit next to Giannis, as an opportunity for these next two seasons in particular,”
“Instead of what would have been Dame on our books at a full salary, as really opportunistic, more than anything.”
—John Horst, Bucks General Manager
Lillard, whose season ended prematurely with a torn Achilles tendon during the playoffs, will be sidelined for the entire next season, further affecting roster planning.
Looking Ahead: Bucks’ Strategy Focuses on Developing Talent and Supporting Giannis
With the Bradley Beal Bucks signing off the table, Milwaukee’s strategic emphasis has shifted toward nurturing Chris Livingston’s potential and reinforcing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s lineup. Livingston’s breakout performance in the Summer League suggests the Bucks see him as a key part of their future rotation as they aim to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
The team’s front office, led by John Horst and Peter Feigin, continues to prioritize building around Giannis by making deliberate moves to assemble a complementary supporting cast. The acquisition of Myles Turner exemplifies this approach, while handling salary cap limitations with calculated risk, notably the Lillard contract situation.
As the new NBA season approaches, Milwaukee fans and analysts will closely watch how Livingston’s development unfolds and how the Bucks integrate these roster changes to pursue another deep playoff run alongside their superstar.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Can Bradley Beal be waived?
A. The Suns cannot stretch Beal’s contract if they waive him at full value because it would exceed their legal limit of 15%. To legally stretch the contract, Beal would need to forfeit about $13.9 million over its duration.
Q. Only two players in the NBA have a no-trade clause. Do you know which players? That’s right! It’s LeBron James and Bradley Beal.
A. Which NBA players have a no-trade clause?