Hypothetical: Milwaukee Gets Eliminated Round 2 or Earlier - Fix the Bucks

[Scoot McGroot]

I think you mostly run it back. But the answer is whatever Giannis wants.

I think the best move is to trade Brolo sadly, as I love him and his fit. He’s 36 years old and his salary is big enough that you could probably bring two guys back in a trade..

Don’t think Milwaukee will be allowed to aggregate salary, so if you’re making a big change you probably have to look at Lope or Middleton. Middleton makes more, so probably the better option. But I’ll go with the 36 year old..

The general belief is that unless we win a title, and thus Middleton making his "unlikely bonuses," the Bucks should be under the 2nd apron and able to aggregate salaries.

Unlikely incentives count against the aprons anyway. They’re factored that way so that a team doesn’t spend up to the apron lines with unlikely incentives then putting them way over the apron at the end of the season.

[RiotPunch]

I think you mostly run it back. But the answer is whatever Giannis wants.

I think the best move is to trade Brolo sadly, as I love him and his fit. He’s 36 years old and his salary is big enough that you could probably bring two guys back in a trade..

Don’t think Milwaukee will be allowed to aggregate salary, so if you’re making a big change you probably have to look at Lope or Middleton. Middleton makes more, so probably the better option. But I’ll go with the 36 year old..

The general belief is that unless we win a title, and thus Middleton making his "unlikely bonuses," the Bucks should be under the 2nd apron and able to aggregate salaries.

Unlikely incentives count against the aprons anyway. They’re factored that way so that a team doesn’t spend up to the apron lines with unlikely incentives then putting them way over the apron at the end of the season.

It is my understanding that they count against the apron until they are not met, which is why we were so hamstrung at the deadline and in the buyout market.

[Scoot McGroot]

The general belief is that unless we win a title, and thus Middleton making his "unlikely bonuses," the Bucks should be under the 2nd apron and able to aggregate salaries.

Unlikely incentives count against the aprons anyway. They’re factored that way so that a team doesn’t spend up to the apron lines with unlikely incentives then putting them way over the apron at the end of the season.

It is my understanding that they count against the apron until they are not met, which is why we were so hamstrung at the deadline and in the buyout market.

http://cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q20

They count against the apron until after the season, as likely/unlikely are only reassessed after the season (barring any trades involving the players).

Since bonuses are not re-evaluated during a season (unless the player is traded), a player missing the criteria to earn a bonus does not affect Team Salary, and therefore the team's position relative to the hard cap.

http://cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q13

They use a slightly different calculation for determining the team salary in relation to the Apron (see question number 20). This applies to the Bi-Annual, Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level, and Taxpayer Mid-Level exceptions (see question number 25), and for Sign-and-Trade transactions (see question number 92). For these purposes they use the team salary as defined above, with the following modifications:

All unlikely bonuses are included for contracts and extensions signed under the current CBA.

[jbk1234]

I agree with those who say it depends on how they lose. It will also depend on how the players they're looking to trade look in the loss.

[Euphonetiks]

Feels like you have they have to move Dame if they really flame out and hope to get Giannis on board with it. Bucks are in the twilight of contention and there are not a lot of avenues for improvement.

Based on his agent’s actions this summer and his recent interview, it doesn’t sound like he wants to be there. Dame takes up $50M. Trade him off for more complementary pieces and see if Giannis can take you to the finals alone.

[Kencapers68]

Find a partner to take Middleton.

I'd love to trade him to Golden State for Wiggins and possibly add PC for JK

[gswhoops]

Find a partner to take Middleton.

I'd love to trade him to Golden State for Wiggins and possibly add PC for JK

That's definitely not happening. JK has arguably been our second most valuable player since this calendar year began. Given his age/contract/recent play, I'm not 100% sure I'd trade Wiggins for him straight up.

[NYG]

Connaughton, Beauchamp, 24th Overall and 34th Overall for Caruso?

Don’t know that Milwaukee would want to hard cap themselves at the second apron by aggregating Pat and Beauchamp. In fact, the minimum roster charges would put them pretty darned close as is.

Portis and the picks then?