The Bucks could be seriously shuffling up their roster in free agency
The start of NBA free agency is less than ten minutes away, and rumors are flying everywhere. Multiple reports involving the Bucks have come out of the whirlwind today that fans should know before the market opens up.
First, Jon Krawczynski, a senior writer at The Athletic covering the Minnesota Timberwolves, said that Milwaukee is “among a number of teams to watch” on the market for Wolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Minnesota has left themselves very little room under the second apron after inking new deals with Julius Randle and Naz Reid, meaning they can’t really afford to bring back Alexander-Walker without becoming seriously strapped up financially. The 26-year-old former 17th overall pick has emerged as a steady three-and-D wing in the past two seasons and played a key part in Minnesota’s back-to-back Conference Finals runs. He would be an awesome fit in Milwaukee’s starting lineup or off the bench. The Bucks would likely have to use almost all of their $14m mid-level exception to bring in Alexander-Walker, as Van Fayaz detailed here. Giving NAW that figure would all but eliminate their chances of retaining Gary Trent Jr.
Turning to Milwaukee’s own free agents, Brook Lopez may be on his way to Los Angeles this week. Lakers’ GM Rob Pelinka remains “zeroed in” on Splash Mountain, even after Deandre Ayton’s buyout, according to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints. They desperately need a center, and Lopez would be a valuable presence on their backline with his rim protection and floor-spacing capabilities. Brook reportedly didn’t enjoy his first stint in Hollywood back in 2016–17, so the team may have to overpay using their entire MLE to lure him back. That would put them in a serious financial squeeze, but when LeBron and Luka are on your roster, you have to do whatever it takes to win.
Bucks fans have been preparing to potentially lose Lopez for weeks, as rumors about him signing elsewhere have been around all offseason. However, it would still hurt to see the long-time man in the middle don another jersey, even with Bobby Portis’ return softening the blow. It’s worth noting here, though, that Chris Haynes said on NBA TV today that “all signs” are pointing to Ayton landing with the Lakers, not Lopez. The former first overall pick doesn’t clear waivers until Wednesday evening, so we’ll have to wait to find out which report will be correct.
Another one of Milwaukee’s tenured vets may also be on the move. Per Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Bucks are “actively working” to trade Pat Connaughton and have “a couple potential avenues” to get a deal done. Connaughton recently exercised his final year player option worth $9.4m, but it seems like he shouldn’t get comfortable in Cream City. Stein and Fischer didn’t mention any particular teams as suitors for the 10-year vet, but his now-expiring contract is more trade-friendly than in the past, and could be used to bring in a really solid rotation piece if the Bucks attach another asset.
Quick hits
- The Utah Jazz bought out former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson, per Shams. Milwaukee could target Clarkson with their MLE to help improve their lack of on-ball creation.
- Utah also released third-year wing Johnny Juzang, per Shams. The 24-year-old would be a viable (and cheap) option if the Bucks want more shooting off their bench, as would Caleb Houstan, who had his team option declined by the Orlando Magic. Both players are eligible for a two-way contract.
- The Phoenix Suns waived Cody Martin today, per John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix. His contract was set to guarantee, and the Suns are looking to shed salary and avoid the second apron. Martin is a solid connective wing and perimeter defender who Milwaukee could target using their $5.1m biannual exception or a portion of their midlevel exception.