The Milwaukee Bucks went into the offseason intent on keeping their core together.

At the dawn of free agency, the Bucks have taken three giant steps toward doing exactly that. At the same time, though, they've taken a massive step in the other direction.

Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and George Hill all plan to be back in Milwaukee next season and for the foreseeable future. Middleton intends to return on a five-year, $178 million deal, with the final year being a player option, while Lopez will be on a four-year, $52 million deal. Lopez's deal does not include any option years, according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA TODAY.

The news regarding both players was first reported by ESPN and confirmed by the Journal Sentinel.

Hill agreed to a three-year, $29 million deal, with the third year only partially guaranteed, a source told the Journal Sentinel.

That was it for the retentions, though, as the Bucks lost a major piece.

Malcolm Brogdon is headed to Indiana on a four-year, $85 million contract in a sign-and-trade deal with the Pacers. The Bucks will receive a first-round draft pick and a pair of future second-round picks, a source confirmed to the Journal Sentinel. Brogdon, a former rookie of the year, was coming off his best NBA season putting up elite 50-40-90 shooting splits from the field, three-point line and free-throw line.

This deal allowed the Bucks to get something in return for him while also get in position to skirt the luxury tax this year. It's still a big blow to the Bucks considering how impactful Brogdon was on both ends of the court.

The Bucks added their first outside free agent late Sunday night, bringing in Robin Lopez -- Brook's twin. His deal with take up Milwaukee's full Room Mid-Level Exception, paying Robin Lopez $4.8 million in the first season of a two-year deal, with the second year being a player option.

None of these deals can become official until the league's moratorium on signings is lifted on July 6.

Middleton is coming off an all-star season -- his first -- in which he put up the best per-36 minute averages of his career at 21.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists while shooting 44.1% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range.

In a story posted on ESPN.com, Middleton explained his reasoning for coming back to Milwaukee in his own words. Last season, which included the all-star berth, a trip to the Eastern Conference finals and becoming a father, was a stepping-stone for Middleton.

"But I am not done. We are not done," Middleton said. "The goal wasn't to reach the Eastern Conference finals -- we are on a mission to win a championship. I want to be a part of that mission, which is why I am staying here in Milwaukee for the next five years."

Middleton went on to explain how he grew up with the Bucks, starting with a 15-win season in his first year in Milwaukee. Since then, he and Giannis Antetokounmpo have grown together, helping the Bucks become a top team.

"Giannis and I want to win a championship together some day," Middleton said. "We've both already gotten back in the gym this summer and are determined to make next season special. This team is on a mission to win it all for our city."

Lopez had one of the best seasons of his NBA career with the Bucks last season after signing with the team during the summer. He averaged 12.5 points and 4.9 rebounds while contesting more shots than any player in the NBA and becoming the league's first player to record an average of two made three-pointers (2.3) and two blocks (2.2) per game.

His presence on the interior helped the Bucks become the best rim-defending team in the league and the best defense overall. His fit on offense as a stretch-five -- often expanding his range beyond 30 feet -- was a natural fit in coach Mike Budenholzer's offense while playing alongside Antetokounmpo.