With Damian Lillard expected to miss a significant portion—if not all—of next season due to a left Achilles tear, the Milwaukee Bucks will need to address the point guard position this offseason. Depending on how the market develops, the New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets could emerge as trade partners offering viable guard options.
The Rockets hold a $4.9 million team option on Aaron Holiday, the brother of former Buck Jrue Holiday, while the Pelicans have Jose Alvarado under contract for $4.5 million next season. With a new $7.2 million trade exception available, Milwaukee has the flexibility to pursue either guard if their current teams are open to a deal.
Point Guard: A Key Position to Watch for the Bucks
Internally, the Bucks may first look to retain both Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins. Each showed promise this past season and already has familiarity with the system. Re-signing them would provide continuity, though both are set to hit free agency, and retaining them could come down to cap flexibility.
If reinforcements are needed, Alvarado and Holiday stand out as affordable and capable options. Alvarado is particularly intriguing, known for his high-energy defense and improved perimeter shooting. He could bring back the defensive edge Jevon Carter once provided, pressuring opposing ball-handlers full court and creating disruption. Last season, he posted a career-high 4.6 assists per game, showing growth as a playmaker as well.
Holiday may fly more under the radar, but he’s a steady contributor. A career 38.2 percent shooter from deep, he averages 6.5 points and two assists per game. He’d be a solid rotational guard who could add shooting and depth to a team in need of stability at the position.
Despite the team’s increased financial flexibility, don’t expect headline-grabbing moves from Milwaukee this summer. The front office is likely to focus on retaining key free agents and making targeted adjustments—potentially including a move for a backup point guard—to stay competitive.
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