Weekly Bucks Lookback: Milwaukee Bucks keep core together for another run at an NBA title

The Milwaukee Bucks have brought back the core of their squad with the re-signings of starting big man Brook Lopez and wingman Khris Middleton. With these developments, the Bucks are expected to be one of the league’s top title contenders, especially after finishing last season with the NBA’s best record in the regular season before falling in a shocking upset at the hands of the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Here are five stories that helped shape the week behind us for the Bucks.

1) The Milwaukee Bucks keep Brook Lopez on a 2-year, $48 million deal

Fans and experts were concerned about Brook Lopez possibly leaving the Bucks, especially since he was an unrestricted free agent. However, the Bucks were able to retain their center on a two-year, $48 million deal. This is great news for the team, as they’ll have one of the most fearsome rim protectors in the league on board to anchor their defense for at least two more seasons.

Brook Lopez has agreed to a two-year, $48M deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/1HeS3sKq2s
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 1, 2023

2) Khris Middleton stays with the Milwaukee Bucks on a 3-year, $102 million deal

Veteran wingman Khris Middleton is also returning to Milwaukee for three more years of duty. The former Texas A&M star will play a significant role—if he remains healthy—in the Bucks’ attack, with his playmaking and shotmaking abilities being integral to their success. It was important for the Bucks to hold onto Middleton, as he’s become one of the team’s best players over the past few years and is an essential piece of their puzzle moving forward.

Three-time All-Star Khris Middleton has agreed on a new three-year, $102 million deal to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks, his agents Mike Lindeman and Jeff Schwartz of @excelbasketball tell ESPN. Middleton keeps franchise a championship contender with his return. Player option. pic.twitter.com/o2E7vXXQj8
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023

3) Jevon Carter is heading to the Chicago Bulls

The Bucks, though, did not come away unscathed in free agency as they lost sparkplug Jevon Carter, who signed a three-year deal with the Chicago Bulls. Carter’s relentless on-ball defense and three-point sniping were crucial to the Bucks this past season, especially when they didn’t have Jrue Holiday and Middleton due to injuries.

4) Joe Ingles is leaving the Milwaukee Bucks to join the Orlando Magic

Another beloved member of the Bucks’ bench mob, savvy forward Joe Ingles, is leaving for the Orlando Magic on a two-year deal. His veteran presence and leadership will be sorely missed by Milwaukee, as Ingles—who was making a comeback from a torn ACL—was instrumental in helping the team make waves last season.

5) A look back at when the Milwaukee Bucks picked Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2013 NBA Draft

The Bucks’ recent successful run would not have been possible without the decision to draft Giannis Antetokounmpo—a.k.a. the Greek Freak—in the 2013 NBA Draft. Many considered him a risky pick at the time, but it has paid off heavily, as he is now one of the top players in league history and has led Milwaukee to their first championship. It truly was a move that changed everything for the franchise.