Milwaukee Bucks Rumors: 2 Players Not Expected Back Next Season

It was a disastrous end to the season for the Milwaukee Bucks, who came into the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the East, and the favorites for the title. A 5-game first-round loss to the Miami Heat assures that there will be some changes before next season, some of them significant. 

And while the Bucks have big decisions to make on the futures of everyone from head coach Mike Budenholzer to several key free agents including Brook Lopez, Joe Ingles, and possibly even Khris Middleton (if he chooses to opt out), there are others who will left behind. 

Here's a look at two players who almost definitely will not be back next season:

Jae Crowder

The feisty forward sat out most of the season, looking for a new home after he felt that he wasn't wanted in Phoenix any longer. The Bucks finally took the bait and brought him in at the trade deadline. But the 10-year veteran didn't quite have an impactful role in Milwaukee and averaged just 6.9 points in his 19 minutes per game. In the playoffs, he was a complete non-factor, even taking a DNP-CD. 

Crowder questioned his role on the team after the Bucks were eliminated: "I'm very confused as to why I was brought here. I don't know my purpose here and why I was brought here... I wasn't expecting that, DNPs. I haven't had them in my career so why start now?"  

If he didn't feel wanted in Phoenix, imagine how he feels now. As a free agent, it's highly unlikely Crowder agrees to re-sign in Milwaukee. 

Goran Dragic

No big surprise here, as the 37-year-old veteran has simply been chasing a ring for the last couple of years, signing with three different teams but having a very minimal role on any of them. Unless he decides to retire, Dragic will be searching around to bring his diminishing talents to yet another destination. 

After signing on the buyout market with Milwaukee, he got into just seven games, averaging 12 minutes per contest, and just 5.6 points and 1.7 assists. In the playoffs, he got into just seven minutes total. 

There's no reason at all for the Bucks to pursue re-signing Dragic; he will not be back in 2023-24. 

Photo: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports