The Milwaukee Bucks have one singular goal for the 2024-25 NBA season: win the NBA Championship. They certainly have the star-power necessary to do it with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Khris Middleton, too, is one of the best third options in the league and has proven to elevate his game in the NBA Playoffs. Whether or not the Bucks’ front office can find the right pieces to compliment these players remains to be seen.
The 2024 NBA Draft was expected to be an event in which Milwaukee could perhaps work some trades and add some immediate help to their roster. That, of course, did not happen. Instead, the Bucks drafted AJ Johnson with their first-round pick (23rd overall) and Tyler Smith with their second-round selection (33rd overall).
Both Johnson and Smith are 19 years old and not ready to be contributors to an NBA roster. It was clear by their selections that the Bucks are looking to the future while also trying to build a winner for the present. However, while they loaded up with prospects that may or may not pan out, another Eastern Conference team made a significant trade.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Eastern Conference Rivals, the New York Knicks, Traded for Mikal Bridges
Nov 6, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) shoots the ball against Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges (1) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
On the first night of the 2024 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks traded a five first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for forward Mikal Bridges. The Knicks, who also boast former Bucks shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo, also agreed to re-sign star OG Anunoby to a five-year $212.5 million contract.
With these moves, the Knicks drastically improved their roster and now are even more dangerous to come out of the Eastern Conference than they were before.
So, while the Bucks were looking towards the future, the Knicks were focusing on the present and improving their chances to win the NBA Championship next season. Milwaukee, of course, has the same goal. However, they will have to improve their roster in other ways, whether it be via trade or with free agent signings.
Due to the Bucks’ salary cap situation (they are in the second apron of the luxury tax), the only free agents they can sign are those that are willing to play for the veteran minimum.
Indeed, improving the roster this offseason is going to be a challenge.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Odds of Winning the 2024-25 NBA Championship Fell After the 2024 NBA Draft
As reported by Sports Illustrated, the Bucks had the fifth-best odds of winning the NBA Championship next season prior to the 2024 NBA Draft. Their +950 line was also the second-best in the Eastern Conference, behind only the Boston Celtics, who are the favorites to win it again. They had a +290 line before the draft.
After the 2024 NBA Draft, the odds lines shifted somewhat. As reported by Sports Illustrated (once again), the Bucks are now tied for the fifth-best odds to win the Finals. However, their odds also fell slightly. At +1000, they are tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
There are not, though, the second-most favored team in the Eastern Conference to win it all. After their trade for Bridges, the Knicks now have the fourth-best odds of winning the Finals at a +850 line.
So, the Bucks’ odds fell a bit, but the Knicks also leapfrogged them in the odds rankings.
We’ll see what those lines look like after free agency.
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