NBA Rumors: Tyreke Evans to Work Out for Bucks After Having Suspension Lifted

Free-agent guard Tyreke Evans is set to work out for the Milwaukee Bucks in the coming days, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Charania noted the Bucks have room for Evans with one open spot on their roster.

Evans has not appeared in an NBA game since the 2018-19 season because of a suspension for violating the league's Anti-Drug Program in 2019.

Last week, the NBA and National Basketball Players Association announced that Evans had been reinstated and would be free to sign with a team.

Evans broke into the NBA in 2009 as the No. 4 pick in the draft by the Sacramento Kings. It seemed as though he was destined for stardom, as he was named Rookie of the Year after averaging 20.1 points, 5.8 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.

His scoring, rebounding and steals numbers turned out to be career highs, though, as he never returned to that level.

Still, Evans was a productive player for much of his career, playing for the Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies and Indiana Pacers over 10 seasons.

Most recently, Evans appeared in 69 games and made 18 starts for the Pacers in 2018-19. He put up 10.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per contest with 38.9 percent shooting, all career lows.

Just one year earlier, however, Evans had enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career.

In 52 games for the Grizz, including 32 starts, Evans averaged 19.4 points, 5.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals and a career-high 2.2 three-pointers.

Evans was also efficient, shooting 45.2 percent from the floor and a career-best 39.9 percent from beyond the arc.

If the 32-year-old Evans can channel that level of play for the Bucks or any other team, he would be a big-time contributor down the stretch and perhaps into the playoffs.

Provided the reigning champion Bucks sign Evans after his workout, he could take on the role vacated by Pat Connaughton, who is out for at least the next few weeks after undergoing surgery on his right hand.

Along with Grayson Allen, Deandre' Bembry, Wesley Matthews, Jevon Carter, Jordan Nwora, Bobby Portis and Serge Ibaka, Evans would provide solid depth in support of stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton.