As the Milwaukee Bucks head into a pivotal offseason, the front office faces pressing questions about roster balance, perimeter defense, and offensive efficiency. One of the most crucial evaluations they must make revolves around the role currently occupied — somewhat tenuously — by Kyle Kuzma. If the Bucks want to retool their roster to maximize their championship window, there’s a compelling, under-the-radar option waiting in the wings: Guerschon Yabusele.
Once a fringe NBA player, Yabusele has rebuilt his stock after several impressive seasons overseas. His recent stint with the Philadelphia 76ers proved he can now contribute at the highest level — a high-motor, versatile forward who brings toughness, switchability, and efficient scoring. As Milwaukee reassesses the Kuzma experiment, Yabusele stands out as a tailor-made alternative who fits that role, arguably, even better.
The Kuzma Dilemma
Milwaukee’s gamble on Kyle Kuzma last season was bold, fueled in part by letting go of Khris Middleton. The idea was to plug in a forward who could contribute as a third scoring option behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, stretch the floor, and offer defensive length across multiple positions. So far, the results have been mixed.
Kuzma has shown flashes, but inconsistency and a tendency to bog down the offense with isolation-heavy possessions have made his fit less seamless than hoped. While it’s too early to rule out a rebound year with a full offseason in Milwaukee’s system, the Bucks can’t afford to wait. They need contingency plans — and Yabusele may be the most viable and overlooked one.
Why Yabusele Fits the Bucks’ Blueprint
At 6-foot-8, Yabusele brings a powerful physical presence reminiscent of the P.J. Tucker mold that Milwaukee sorely misses. He thrives in the dirty work areas — fighting for rebounds, rotating on defense, and making hustle plays. Just as crucial, he brings legitimate offensive value without needing the ball in his hands. In 70 games this past season, he averaged 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting an efficient 50% from the field and an impressive 38% from beyond the arc.
He’s a legitimate pick-and-pop threat, can hold his own defensively against wings and some bigs, and doesn’t disrupt ball movement — all crucial traits in a supporting forward next to high-usage stars like Giannis and Lillard.
Moreover, Yabusele’s mentality fits Milwaukee’s culture. He defends like someone who’s had to claw for every NBA minute, which in his case is true. That kind of urgency can be contagious — and it’s something the Bucks lacked at times last season.
A Realistic Target
Financially, Yabusele is not out of Milwaukee’s reach. His one-year, $2.08 million deal with Philadelphia expired, making him an unrestricted free agent. If his asking price remains in that ballpark, Milwaukee could comfortably bring him in using either the mid-level or disabled player exception.
There is competition, of course. San Antonio has emerged as a serious suitor, with Victor Wembanyama reportedly playing a role in the Spurs’ recruiting efforts. The 76ers are also interested in retaining him. But Milwaukee has a winning culture, two future Hall of Famers, and a wide-open opportunity for someone like Yabusele to play meaningful minutes in pursuit of a title.
As NBA insider Marc Stein noted in his June 29 Stein Line newsletter, the Bucks are “a team to watch” in the Yabusele sweepstakes. That alone should raise eyebrows in Milwaukee — where aggressive but smart front-office moves have defined this era of contention.
Final Thoughts
The Bucks don’t need to make a blockbuster move to improve this offseason. They need to be surgical — to identify players who can fill specific gaps with energy, discipline, and upside. Guerschon Yabusele is one of those players. He’s affordable, available, and aligned with exactly what Milwaukee needs in a Kuzma-type role — without the downside.
If the Bucks are serious about returning to the NBA Finals, they should be just as serious about Yabusele. Sometimes the best moves aren’t the flashiest — they’re the ones hiding in plain sight.
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