Wing depth a priority for the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason

The first phase of the retooling of the Milwaukee Bucks has been completed with the naming of Adrian Griffin as the team’s new head coach. The next phase, though, is expected to be tougher as the Bucks try to juggle dealing with their own cast of free agents led by starting center Brook Lopez and luring other prospects to a team that is yet again expected to contend for NBA supremacy.

One area the Bucks should pay close attention to is wing depth. Last season, Khris Middleton played in just 33 games due to numerous injuries, forcing the likes of Jrue Holiday, Jevon Carter, and Joe Ingles to carry most of the load. Middleton has yet to opt in to his player option while Ingles is a free agent, which means the Bucks need to find some new talent to bolster their already-deep roster.

The Bucks need more reliable options at the wing

Many believe Middleton will return to the Bucks, but even then, with the latter’s injury history, the Bucks need more reliable options in case he misses significant time again. Though Holiday and Carter provide more than adequate production, there could be options that bring both youth and athleticism to the table—things that veterans like Ingles, Wesley Matthews, or Jae Crowder have in abundance.

What are the Bucks’ options?

With continuity in mind, the Bucks intend to bring back Middleton, who remains a significant piece of their core. The Bucks also need to pick between their free agents and decide who they want to re-sign. Whether it’s 3-and-D specialist Jae Crowder, the crafty playmaker Ingles, or the sparkplug Carter.

From there, the Bucks then need to see if they can find quality players who fit the mold of the team. That means youthful players with a knack for defense and the ability to shoot from deep. Most importantly, they also need to be amenable to getting low-cost contracts. With the team’s salary cap already nearing breaking point, the Bucks need players who can play at a high level without breaking the bank.