Unexpected Moves Milwaukee Bucks Could Make in Free Agency
When this summer's free-agency period begins in a few short weeks, the Milwaukee Bucks will be looking to make a splash with the cap space they have created. In previous years, perhaps the team would take a more conservative approach to their signings. However, that may be different this season.
Clearly, there are gaps on the roster that need filling. Adding shooting and a reliable big man are of utmost priority, but a solid wing defender would also be a worthy addition.
With this summer's free-agent class being pretty strong in the frontcourt, the Bucks should be able to find someone to replace Larry Sanders. And even though a quality shooting guard may take a little more work to find, it can be done.
The organizational direction is shifting and, with an arena deal looming, the front office will certainly want to make some waves by signing a notable free agent.
Here, then, are some unexpected moves the Bucks could make this summer.
Brook Lopez
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It may take a lot to lure the oft-injured Brook Lopez away from a player option of close to $17 million with the Brooklyn Nets next season, but the Bucks plan on pursuing the 7-footer, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
Given that Lopez's name has come up in rumors already, this may not be that unexpected. At least not until you pause a minute to think about the potential signing.
Lopez, while great in the post when healthy, is not the most mobile big man. The Bucks have a long, athletic team and will want to play to those strengths. That means getting up and down the court quickly will be a crucial part of their game plan moving forward.
On his blog, forward Giannis Antetokounmpo stated that the team needed an athletic big man who could run the floor:
"I think we need a top class bigman. We have Zaza Pachulia who really knows how to play basketball and John Henson who will keep getting better and better and some other big guys with potential. But we need an athletic, top class bigman. Who will be able to finish plays, score and play effective defense. Who will have the skills to function as the rim protector and set good screens.
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What the Greek Freak wants, the Greek Freak gets?
A big man like Lopez just wouldn't fit with this roster. Still, strictly based on what has been floating around, it wouldn't be a total shock to see him end up with the Bucks for 2015-16.
DeAndre Jordan
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During 2014-15, DeAndre Jordan averaged 11.5 points, 15.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks while converting 71.0 percent of his field-goal attempts. He's clearly efficient around the basket both on offense and defense.
Not to mention, for standing 6'11" and weighing 250 pounds, he gets up and down the court in transition with ease.
The rim defense Jordan could provide would be extremely welcomed and, for a team that finished 24th in rebounding, his ability to crash the glass would be of great value.
And at just 26 years old, Jordan also fits in with the youth movement the Bucks are pursuing.
The team would have to make him a tremendous offer, though, as the Los Angeles Clippers are in excellent position to keep him around.
Never say never, though.
Danny Green
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Danny Green seems to be an ideal fit for what the Bucks are looking for.
The 6'6" veteran shooting guard can provide the team with excellent shooting from the perimeter in addition to being a hard-nosed defender.
Not only that, but this season with the San Antonio Spurs was arguably his best as a pro. Green averaged 11.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 43.6 percent from the floor and an impressive 41.8 percent from three-point territory.
On the opposite end, he had a defensive rating of 100.5 (ranking 16th), and his 3.9 defensive win shares were good enough to rank No. 18, proving he's more than just a threat from behind the three-point line.
Green made just over $4 million this past season, and he should see offers well beyond that come his way. Given the good thing he has going in San Antonio, it may take a big offer to lure him away.
Regardless, he's one player who should certainly be high up on Milwaukee's radar.
Bismack Biyombo
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Bismack Biyombo is one unexpected name that may make sense for the Bucks.
The former No. 7 overall pick certainly hasn't lived up to the expectations of being taken that high—or even in the lottery at all, for that matter. But if the Bucks can get him for cheap, the athletic big man could be of value.
Biyombo's numbers look awful on paper, but if you factor in that he's played 20-plus minutes per game just two times in his short career, that might have something to do with the lack of progression.
In 2014-15, his per-36-minute numbers were not bad. He averaged 8.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.9 blocks while shooting 54.3 percent. And while he is not even remotely polished on offense, his ability to crash the boards and defend the rim makes him an interesting addition.
Not to mention, paying less for a big man would give the Bucks more flexibility when it comes to signing shooters.
Wesley Matthews
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Before tearing his Achilles this season, Wesley Matthews was headed for a big payday.
The 6'5" shooting guard averaged 15.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists while connecting on 44.8 percent of his field-goal attempts and 38.9 percent of his threes.
And while he's a reliable offensive player, his defense also always seems to be solid.
Had he not gotten injured, the Bucks likely would not have been able to offer him the money he was on his way toward seeing—most likely a max deal. However, after suffering a serious injury like a torn Achilles, teams may be more hesitant to pay him that much.
Given that Matthews went to high school in Madison, Wisconsin, and played his college ball at Marquette, it's not far-fetched to believe he'd take a hometown discount if offered the opportunity to return home.
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