Milwaukee Bucks: 5 shooting guards to target in free agency

Milwaukee Bucks: 5 shooting guards to target in free agency – Wesley Matthews

It should be no surprise that Wesley Matthews comes in at No. 1 on the Milwaukee Bucks’ shooting guard wishlist. After the contributions Matthews provided as Milwaukee’s starting two-guard all season, losing him in free agency would be a catastrophe.

Like Avery Bradley, Matthews also has a player option for next season, this one worth around $2.7 million. If he elects to accept, the 33-year-old would play on a bargain of a contract, which could potentially lead to him opt-ing out to seek a raise, whether that be in Milwaukee or elsewhere.

For Milwaukee, doing everything in their power to retain Matthews is a no-brainer. In 67 games with the team this season, the 11-year-veteran made his presence known offensively by shooting 36.4 percent from deep, serving as a crucial floor spacer. Although he did it while averaging a career-low 7.4 points per game, there is no doubt that Matthews provided a significant boost offensively with his shooting.

Defensively is where Matthews deserves the most praise, however. Milwaukee had a historically great defense this season, and the guard’s willingness to take on star-studded assignments nightly such as LeBron James or James Harden was astounding. Guards with that capability do not come around often, so losing him would be a devastating blow defensively for the Bucks.

Luckily for the Bucks, staying put in Milwaukee could be a genuine possibility for the Wisconsin native. The stability behind that $2.7 million option and starting role with the Bucks could be desirable for Matthews, but only time will tell.

If he opts to test free agency, the Milwaukee Bucks should make a strong effort to bring Wesley Matthews back.