A New York Times report relays that the Los Angeles Lakers are the latest suitor interested in veteran Milwaukee Bucks wing Wesley Matthews.
NBA’s silly season has finally arrived and the Milwaukee Bucks are at the center of all the madness.
Given the many significant questions facing the Bucks over this compacted offseason, their actions and moves will be heavily scrutinized under the level of pressure they’re under with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in the balance.
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Now The New York Times’ Marc Stein reported Sunday morning that after reportedly acquiring Dennis Schroder from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Danny Green, the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as a suitor for Bucks wing Wesley Matthews in free agency.
Of course, that is contingent on Matthews turning down his $2.6 million player option for next season, which he will have to make a decision within this week.
The Lakers are the latest title contender to express an interest in the veteran Milwaukee Bucks wing ahead of free agency.
Should Matthews turn down his option, the list of contenders lining up for his services are growing with the Lakers joining the mix. The Miami Heat were first mentioned as a suitor for the 34-year-old late last month.
For the Bucks to re-sign Matthews, that requires them to dip into either their $3.6 million bi-annual or use part of their $9.3 million midlevel exception for him to have a second season in Milwaukee and continue his Wisconsin homecoming. Given the many needs this offseason, the dilemma facing the Bucks is whether they break the bank to secure their fifth starter from last season.
The fact that this is coming on the heels of the Bucks aggressively pursuing upgrades on the wing does raise the speculation as to whether Matthews’ stint in Milwaukee will be limited to one season.
The Bucks’ wing crop is already in flux as it is with all of Sterling Brown (restricted), Pat Connaughton and Kyle Korver entering free agency. We may have even seen the last of Korver on a basketball court as he’s been mulling his retirement, though no decision has yet come on that front.
Matthews’ brand of physical defending and floor spacing are key traits that the Bucks have coveted around Antetokounmpo and their cornerstones. Losing that, even with Matthews’ streakiness shooting the long ball in mind, isn’t easily replaced by any means.
What’s clear is that the Bucks have been active in trying to improve their roster going into a big 2020-21 season. Whether that activity will lead to meaningful upgrades remains to be seen, but it could come at the cost of Matthews.