Doc Rivers May Be Leading Charge for Bucks To Change Few Core Pieces: Report

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 26: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks calls out instructions in the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 26, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Rivers may be looking to make some changes to the Bucks this offseason.

When the Milwaukee Bucks traded for All-Star point guard Damian Lillard last season, many believed that it would vault them to the forefront of the title contender list. The Bucks started off very strong but had some issues with former head coach Adrian Griffin, who had led Milwaukee to a 30-13. Milwaukee wasn't playing well despite them winning games, so the organization replaced Griffin with veteran coach Doc Rivers.

Rivers stepped into the role from out of nowhere and was placed with high expectations. While it took Milwaukee a little bit of time to come together, they eventually clinched the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.

They faced off against the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs, but injuries to both Lillard and star Giannis Antetokounmpo saw the Bucks bow out earlier than expected for the second straight year. Now, entering the offseason, Milwaukee is looking to get itself back into a place of real contention.

NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN appeared on the morning show "First Take" and discussed the plans for the Bucks entering the offseason. This includes potentially changing things up around Lillard and Antetokounmpo.

"There's starting to be rumblings that Doc Rivers is looking for a change or two to some of their core pieces," Windhorst cautioned. "Not Dame or Giannis, but potentially looking at another maneuver they could make to alter their team. I think they could be active in the trade market coming up. I think it's less likely than Philly or New York that they could make this big move, but don't forget about Milwaukee."

There has been talk about the Bucks putting veteran center Brook Lopez on the trade block, as Rivers wants to adopt a more modern version of the offense. Lopez has been with the Bucks for years, helping them win the title in 2021. The 36-year-old big man is owed $23 million this next season, but is on an expiring deal that could be enticing to opposing teams. Lopez has shown that he is still an effective floor spacer and rum protector, further highlighting his trade candidacy.

Other than Lopez, Milwaukee could look to replace forwards Bobby Portis or Khris Middleton as well. The Bucks may have to build out a more well-rounded roster if they want to compete with the other elite teams around the NBA. If they can put together some quality pieces around the two stars and they get good health, Milwaukee could easily see themselves jumping back up to being true title contenders this season.

Start your unlimited Newsweek trial