The Bucks top six goals next year! They will continue to pay luxury taxes, and the point guard candidates are targeting Schroder and others

On June 15, Bucks star Antetokounmpo has been deeply involved in trading rumors recently, but according to the latest reports, he is determined to stay with the Bucks. In this regard, famous journalists Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst wrote an article about the Bucks' plans, they are determined to remain in the top six in the Eastern Conference next season and will pay a luxury tax.

Brian Windhorst reiterated that Antetokounmpo will not leave the Bucks, saying: "There will not be an Antetokounmpo's trade in the short term. The league has realized that the Bucks are determined to keep him, and Antetokounmpo will not ask for a trade. I cannot predict what will happen in August." Antetokounmpo's current contract will expire in the summer of 2028, and the 27-28 season is the player option. He can jump out of the contract and enter the free market. But next summer he is eligible to renew a four-year, $293 million super contract.

As Antetokounmpo decides to stay in the team, the Bucks' next plan can also continue. In multiple meetings with the boss after the end of the season, Bucks general manager Jon Horst and head coach Rivers submitted plans to retain the core roster to compete for the top six in the Eastern Conference next season, and hope that Lillard will return before the end of next season. In addition, after paying more than $200 million in luxury taxes over the past few seasons, the Bucks are ready to surpass the luxury tax line again. According to Spotac statistics, from 2012 to the present, the Bucks have paid the sixth in the league in total luxury tax, second only to the Warriors, Clippers, Nets, Lakers and Suns. Several opponent teams speculate that the Bucks will pay a luxury tax next season, but will keep their total salary below $196 million (the first luxury tax line) to be able to use more of the 14.1 million full middle class special case, and they may have to spend a majority of them to introduce a starting point guard who replaces Lillard, candidates including Schroeder, Tyame Jones and Brogden.

In the 2024-25 season, the Bucks were eliminated by the Pacers in the first round and were terminated in the first round for three consecutive years. How can they regain the top of the Eastern Conference when Lillard is unable to play most of next season? Everyone is welcome to give your analysis in the comment section.