Former Bucks All-Star Believes Milwaukee’s $2.7 Million Free Agent Signing Will Be a ‘Huge Piece’ in Team’s 2025 Title Run
When the Milwaukee Bucks made a quiet but strategic move this offseason by signing a veteran contributor to a $2.7 million contract, few outside the organization gave it much attention. Yet, one former Bucks All-Star is adamant the move will prove pivotal.
Speaking during a recent interview with WISN Milwaukee, former Bucks sharpshooter and 2009 NBA All-Star Michael Redd offered high praise for the team’s under-the-radar acquisition of veteran forward Joe Ingles. The 6-foot-8 veteran rejoined Milwaukee on a one-year, $2.7 million deal — a far cry from splashy headlines but a move Redd believes could be a major factor in the Bucks’ 2025 success.
“It’s not always the stars that push you over the top,” Redd said. “Joe’s IQ, leadership, and versatility make him the kind of glue guy every championship team needs. I believe he’s going to be a huge piece for this roster — especially come playoff time.”
A Return With Purpose
Joe Ingles, 36, spent the 2022-2023 season with the Bucks after recovering from ACL surgery and showed glimpses of his old self, averaging 6.9 points and 3.3 assists per game in 22 minutes. He signed with Orlando the following year but returned this offseason to a Bucks team in transition, looking for veteran depth and stability.
Despite being well past his prime, Ingles remains a savvy offensive presence, a reliable three-point shooter, and an elite locker room communicator — qualities Milwaukee desperately needs after a chaotic 2024 season.
“There’s a comfort level between Joe and the coaching staff,” Redd added. “He knows how to play with stars. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective, and he’s never afraid of the big moment.”
The Bucks’ 2024 Letdown Sets the Stage
The Bucks entered the 2024 season with sky-high expectations after acquiring Damian Lillard in a blockbuster trade that sent defensive anchor Jrue Holiday to Boston. The duo of Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo was expected to light up scoreboards and terrorize defenses, but injuries, chemistry issues, and coaching changes derailed their momentum.
Milwaukee limped into the playoffs, lacking depth and cohesion. Their early exit highlighted one glaring truth: star power alone isn’t enough. The supporting cast lacked the grit and savvy that characterized the Bucks’ 2021 championship run.
This is where Joe Ingles — and other modest offseason additions — could shift the narrative.
A ‘Glue Guy’ With Championship Pedigree
Ingles has long been praised for his basketball IQ, unselfish play, and ability to initiate offense from multiple positions. During his years with the Utah Jazz, he was known for picking apart opposing defenses with sharp passes, quick decisions, and a deadly left-handed jumper.
While not the quickest or most athletic, Ingles brings intangibles Milwaukee sorely missed last season. His understanding of spacing and timing could prove invaluable, especially when staggering lineups or running second-unit offense.
“He’s the kind of guy who can settle a game down when it’s getting away,” said Redd. “And those guys don’t show up in box scores — they show up in wins.”
Flexibility and Fit
What makes Ingles especially valuable to the 2025 Bucks is his fit across various lineups. He can play the three or four, initiate pick-and-rolls, space the floor as a shooter, and guard multiple positions using angles and anticipation.
With Khris Middleton still managing chronic knee issues and uncertainty surrounding younger wings like MarJon Beauchamp and Andre Jackson Jr., Ingles offers security. He won’t require heavy minutes, but his presence could stabilize chaotic stretches, especially in games where Lillard or Antetokounmpo sit.
Head coach Doc Rivers, entering his first full season with Milwaukee, has already praised Ingles’ basketball brain and calming influence.
“Joe sees things two plays ahead,” Rivers said at training camp. “That’s a gift — and something this team needs more of.”
Off-Court Leadership
Beyond his on-court impact, Ingles is widely respected as a leader. In Utah, he mentored younger players and often spoke up in team huddles. His understanding of team dynamics and readiness to play any role has endeared him to coaches and front offices alike.
For a team like Milwaukee that’s trying to reestablish its identity, especially after losing key voices like Holiday and Pat Connaughton, Ingles could be a culture bridge.
Lauryn Hill once said, “Fantasy is what people want, but reality is what they need.” In that vein, Joe Ingles may not have been the most glamorous signing, but he could be the most grounded — a reality check for a Bucks team aiming to rebound.
Redd Sees Familiar Vibes
Redd compared Ingles’ potential impact to that of veteran players like P.J. Tucker or George Hill during Milwaukee’s 2021 title run — players who brought toughness, experience, and timely contributions in the margins.
“You need dogs in the playoffs,” Redd said. “Guys who don’t blink. Joe’s been through wars. He’s got that.”
Redd, who spent 11 seasons with the Bucks, knows what a winning formula looks like in a small market. He believes Milwaukee has the core to contend — but only if the role players maximize their contributions.
“Giannis is Giannis, Dame is Dame,” Redd continued. “But you win titles with the seven-through-eleven guys. Joe Ingles could be one of those dudes.”
Financial Efficiency
At just $2.7 million, Ingles’ contract also represents a low-risk, high-reward investment. In a cap-strapped league, especially with looming decisions on Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez, and Middleton, affordable depth becomes a critical asset.
The Bucks avoided splashy spending this offseason in favor of targeted additions, banking on continuity and experience. Ingles fits that mold — a known quantity with a defined role.
Fans Still Warming to the Idea
Among Bucks fans, the reaction to Ingles’ return has been mixed. While many appreciate his veteran presence, others worry about his age and defensive limitations.
But Redd urges patience.
“It’s not about highlights,” Redd said. “It’s about trust. Come playoff time, when rotations tighten, Joe’s going to be on the floor making smart plays.”
Indeed, playoff success often hinges on decision-making in crunch time. Ingles, even in limited minutes, can serve as a stabilizer — a role the Bucks lacked after Connaughton and Malik Beasley struggled with consistency.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 season is shaping up as a redemption year for the Milwaukee Bucks. With the spotlight on their stars and pressure mounting, contributions from unexpected sources may become the difference between another early exit and a return to glory.
Joe Ingles, the $2.7 million “glue guy,” won’t draw MVP chants or top highlight reels. But if Redd is right, he may earn something far more valuable: the trust of his teammates, his coaches — and maybe, another championship ring.
As training camp progresses and the rotation solidifies, all eyes will be on whether Milwaukee’s quiet gamble pays off.
Michael Redd’s belief in Joe Ingles isn’t based on fantasy or nostalgia. It’s rooted in the gritty truth of playoff basketball: experience, decision-making, and chemistry matter just as much as talent.
If Ingles can stay healthy and carve out a meaningful role, this $2.7 million deal might go down as one of the most important low-cost moves of Milwaukee’s 2025 campaign.
