NBA Rumors: Could Bucks Make Run At Hornets’ Mark Williams This Summer?

The Milwaukee Bucks may be at full strength now with Damian Lillard back in uniform, but their problems aren’t just about the present. They’re about the summer. And the future. And making sure Giannis Antetokounmpo never even thinks about asking out.

Enter a new name on the Bucks’ radar — and it’s not the one anyone expected.

According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, Milwaukee could take a long look at Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams this offseason. Williams, 23, is younger, bouncier, and (theoretically) the long-term answer to what could soon be a massive problem: Brook Lopez is 37 and heading for free agency.

“The Milwaukee Bucks, whose starting center, Brook Lopez, just turned 37 and is set to become a free agent this summer, may jump at the chance at acquiring Williams (even with the durability risk the Lakers rejected),” Pincus wrote.

That “durability risk” is real. Williams missed most of the 2023-24 season in Charlotte with back issues. But that’s also the same Hornets medical staff that needed a map, compass, and maybe even divine intervention to get LaMelo Ball on the floor. Meanwhile, the Bucks got Lillard back in weeks. You wonder what their staff could do for a 7-footer with legit upside and two-way potential.

Pincus floated a few different paths for Milwaukee to land Williams. One could come sooner than later via trade, with Bobby Portis ($13.4 million) or Pat Connaughton ($9.4 million) as potential salary matchers, assuming either picks up their player option. Another could come down the road, as Williams will be eligible for an extension before the 2025-26 season, or could hit restricted free agency next July.

Either way, the Bucks need to start thinking younger. And not just for the sake of the roster, but for Giannis. Lopez has been a perfect fit next to the two-time MVP, but Father Time is undefeated, and Milwaukee isn’t exactly brimming with young building blocks.

They tried with Andre Jackson Jr. and MarJon Beauchamp. They took a swing on A.J. Green. But nothing close to a surefire successor in the middle. They even traded for Kyle Kuzma. No dice yet.

Williams, despite his health concerns, could be that guy.

A rim-protector with vertical pop, soft hands, and some untapped offensive skill? Antetokounmpo might not just approve — he might sign off long-term if it means the Bucks are serious about keeping the window open beyond this year.

If Milwaukee flames out early in the playoffs, don’t be surprised if this rumor becomes a real conversation.

And if they don’t, well, it might be even more reason to find Brook’s replacement before the next run begins.