NBA teams aren’t exactly cheap to run these days, as it takes a huge amount of money to run a franchise. The Milwaukee Bucks, in particular, fall into this category because of all the spending they’ve made over the past few years.
The Bucks face a challenging offseason after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Their core players – two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, point guard Damian Lillard, All-Star wing Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and others – are all under contract for next season, but their high salaries and luxury tax payments will severely limit their ability to sign significant reinforcements.
The Bucks will have to rely heavily on their existing roster, which includes some key free agents like Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley and Jae Crowder. Retaining these players on team-friendly contracts will be crucial as the Bucks have little financial breathing room.
Their biggest offseason changes may be managing the roster and salaries rather than making spectacular new additions. They’ll need to keep a careful eye on the salary cap and luxury tax thresholds and potentially consider trades or other cost-cutting measures to create at least a little spending room.
Overall, the Bucks face a challenging summer with little cap room but a need to improve their supporting cast around Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Their ability to make the most of their limited resources will be critical to their chances of bouncing back next season.
How much money the Milwaukee Bucks spent and what happened to it
At this point, the Bucks have a full roster for the upcoming season, which leads them to spend their money on these guys. The team is currently one of the least cheap teams in the league, according to an NBA analysis by Eric Pincus for Bleacher Report.
Taxes paid since 2017: 189.2 million US dollars
Kickback $ since 2017: 5.5 million US dollars
Net since 2017: +183.6 million USD
Titles since 2017: One
NBA Finals since 2017: One
Playoffs since 2017: Seven
Lottery since 2017: Zero
Estimated tax 2024-25: 74.8 million US dollars
The Bucks’ record speaks for itself. The team hasn’t missed the playoffs in the last seven years and won its first title since 1971. While some of the highest-spending teams have begun to adjust to the new rules, Milwaukee is still a big taxpayer.
You can debate whether you prefer Damian Lillard over Jrue Holiday (the bigger star vs. the best role player in the league), but for Milwaukee, this decision was anything but cheap.
Stingy or not? Based on market size relative to the two biggest spenders, the Bucks may be the least cheap of the 30.
The Bucks have great potential with their star-studded roster but face uncertainties with injuries, player chemistry and coaching. A projected 52-30 season record is reasonable, but their playoff success will depend on the team’s ability to overcome challenges and develop cohesion as they pursue an NBA championship.
The team’s overall spending should at least lead to some tangible result next season, such as the projected record Milwaukee could achieve. In any case, spending money is almost a must for any NBA team these days if they want to make it big in the league.
Other sports in Wisconsin:
Follow us on Twitter at @WiSportsHeroics. Check out our merchandise here too! Use code “WSH” for 20% off. Click here to read more of our articles and stay up to date on ALL Wisconsin sports! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to book Green Bay Packers players or former players for your corporate appearance or product endorsement. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation as the go-to place when it comes to booking top athletes as speakers for events and trade shows. To learn more about the costs and booking fees for appearances by Packers players or former players, call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
