Bucks Hit With Bad News on Potential Damian Lillard Replacement

The Milwaukee Bucks' dwindling hopes of acquiring Bradley Beal as a replacement for Damian Lillard appear unlikely, as the Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly the frontrunners to sign Beal if he secures a buyout from the Phoenix Suns. According to The Athletic, the Clippers can offer up to $5.3 million in salary for the 2025-26 season and have an opening in their starting lineup after trading Norman Powell in a deal that brought John Collins.

The Bucks are unable to compete financially with the Clippers' offer, especially after waiving Lillard and stretching his salary, and lack a clear backcourt vacancy. Beal is also considering other teams like the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, but the Clippers lead the race. If he joins them, he would form a formidable starting unit alongside James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Collins, and Ivica Zubac.

This interest follows past considerations: in 2023, Beal prioritized the Bucks and Miami Heat when the Washington Wizards shopped him, but Miami declined, and Milwaukee hesitated due to complications involving Khris Middleton's player option. Middleton was eventually traded to Washington in February for Kyle Kuzma, who has not performed well for the Bucks.

Beal's subsequent two-year stint in Phoenix was disappointing, with no playoff wins, prompting the potential buyout. With Beal now a long shot for Milwaukee, the Bucks are exploring a reunion with former player Malcolm Brogdon.

Multiple teams, including the Clippers, Suns, Lakers, Warriors, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Kings, and Bucks, have expressed interest in Brogdon, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. Brogdon, drafted by the Bucks in 2016 with the 36th overall pick, won Rookie of the Year that season by playing 75 games and averaging 10.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.1 steals.

However, injuries later derailed his career, and after his third season, the Bucks opted not to match the Indiana Pacers' four-year, $85 million offer, instead trading him in a sign-and-trade for future draft picks.