The Milwaukee Bucks became the sixth one-seed in NBA history to lose to an eight-seed when Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat beat them in five games. Butler had one of the best scoring performances in playoff history in Game 4 and had another 40-point show in Game 4.
Mike Budenholzer was then relieved from his duties as Milwaukee’s head coach after winning the NBA Finals just two years ago. Budenholzer’s departure was not completely surprising but it adds to the growing list of changes that need to be completed this offseason.
There are several coaching candidates that make sense for the Bucks; however, the questions on the roster are more important. That is why one NBA insider believes the worst has yet to come for the NBA’s best regular season team.
Related: Jimmy Butler’s heroics lead Miami Heat past Milwaukee Bucks to historic upset
NBA insider says Milwaukee Bucks could be in trouble moving forward
The Bucks have major work to do this offseason as the organization looks to avoid another first-round exit. Sure, Giannis Antetokounmpo missed two games but after he returned, the team lost the next two games.
There are major questions surrounding the future of the team’s core players too. Brook Lopez is set to be a free agent this offseason while Khris Middleton has a player option that he is currently undecided on for next year.
Plus, the future of Antetokoummpo is now a question. According to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, it is currently “unlikely” that the NBA superstar will extend his contract with the Bucks this offseason. Antentokoummpo is under contract through the 2024-’25 season at the minimum.
Windhorst didn’t stop there with the Bucks. In an appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up,” the NBA insider talked about the situation in Milwaukee and it sounded ominous, to say the least.
“Why would you sell (Marc Lasry)?…He sold because of the thundercloud that’s on the horizon. We are now hearing the first rumblings…He also sold because there are problems coming…The Bucks are in a quagmire and we have the first move with the firing of (Mike Budenholzer)…The Bucks have a real, real challenge ahead of them.”
Brian Windhorst on the future of the Milwuakee Bucks
The Bucks need to make moves and the idea of re-signing Lopez and Middleton might not be enough. Lopez is 35 years old while Middleton is 31 years old and took a step down this season with only 15.1 points per game.
There are plenty of changes coming but Windhorst is making it sound serious. If that is the case, the team needs to figure it out before Antentoukounmpo’s contract is no longer on the payroll moving forward.