The Milwaukee Bucks haven’t dabbled into the buyout market yet.
It is likely they will, though. Milwaukee recently signed Meyers Leonard to a 10-day contract. It seems like a trial period to see if Leonard has anything left in the tank. The Bucks still have another roster spot available, however.
With the Bucks hoping to have a number of guys return to the lineup soon — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis and Jae Crowder — Sandro Mamukelashvili and/or AJ Green could be elevated to NBA deals from their current two-way contracts, as two-way players aren’t eligible to play in the postseason.
Should the Bucks still have an open roster slot beyond this and Leonard’s 10-day deal, here are the top-five candidates the Bucks should consider.
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Barton Brings Shooting
The Bucks’ roster is strong.
But if there was a spot that could use additional buffering, it’s a wing who can score. Milwaukee has plenty of versatility on the wings, with Middleton, Pat Connaughton, Grayson Allen, Wesley Matthews and recently acquired Jae Crowder, the Bucks have the quantity.
None of them, however, are strong scorers outside Middleton. Barton could provide Milwaukee with scoring on the wing off the bench. Barton also isn’t just a few-buckets-a-game guy when he’s cooking like he did most of his time in Denver. Against Boston and all of its wings, Barton could be a good addition not only matching up with Boston, but also providing some newfound wing offense off the bench.
Barton averaged 14.7 points per game in 2021-22, but he struggled in Washington at 7.7 points this season on 39% shooting. Despite some struggles there, Barton is still shooting 38% from three.
Will Barton was officially bought out by the Wizards today.
He's been linked to the Bucks for quite a while now. #FearTheDeer https://t.co/toftfN3GvJ
— Dalton Sell (@sell_dalton) February 21, 2023
If Joseph is Made Available?
It’s not a sure thing Joseph is allowed to hit the buyout market by Detroit.
He hasn’t been great in 2022-23 but was outstanding last season. Joseph could be a very good fit next to Jrue Holiday as a combo guard, allowing Holiday to have a break from bringing the ball up. The 31-year-old is shooting nearly 38% from three and has had multiple seasons shooting over 40% from three.
Did I hear the TNT broadcast mention that the Bucks were looking for another guard on the buyout market?
I was a bit lost in the chaos.
— Dalton Sell (@sell_dalton) February 15, 2023
Would Wall Be Serviceable?
Off the Clippers’ bench, Wall was good for 18.4 points and 8.5 assists per 36 minutes while shooting 40% overall and 30% on 3s.
Wall could provide Jeff Teague-like contributions for the Bucks— occasional absurdity (the good kind) but general mediocrity. Like Joseph, the Bucks could use a taller off-ball combo guard, but inking a free agent like Kemba Walker or Wayne Ellington who are better shooters over Wall is the more-logical option.
It’s unclear if Wall can play meaningful minutes in the playoffs with the Bucks due to his shooting deficiencies, however.
Jevon Carter should play over anybody the Bucks find on the buyout market. Sign whoever you want but Jevon’s skillset is perfect for the healthy version of this Bucks team.
— Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch) February 11, 2023
Young Adds Defensive Switching Versatility
If Young is bought out by the Raptors, he could be a very versatile defender for the Bucks.
Young isn’t a great offensive player at this stage of his career. He still can provide switching defense, however, and could be a good vet to bring in that would accept a limited role on a winning team. The 6-8 forward can still be a disruptive defender against wings, which could be valuable against say Jaylen Brown or Tobias Harris. Young is shooting over 56% from the floor and over a steal per game despite only playing 16 minutes per game.
Ultimately, though, Young isn’t the kind of guy the Bucks are likely to bring in due to lack of floor spacing.
Another Former Wisconsin College Hooper?
Well, why not.
The Bucks have two former Marquette stars on the squad— why not bring in a former Badger legend? Kaminsky would likely not play in the postseason, but he would be grateful to be on a contender in the playoffs and accept his role. In limited minutes, the seven-footer is shooting over 42% from three this year.
Top target Remains Barton
The top target is clearly Barton.
He can flat-out score and the Bucks could use a wing scorer alongside Middleton. If Joseph is ultimately bought out, he would be the second choice of known buyout candidates. The Bucks aren’t in need of a major contributor. Milwaukee just might need a buyout candidate who can provide a skill to an area of need.
The Deer could be a small addition away from a return to the NBA Finals.
