Milwaukee Bucks: 3 replacements for Wesley Matthews in free agency
By Dalton Sell
With Wesley Matthews reportedly signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Milwaukee Bucks will have to find a replacement in free agency.
The Milwaukee Bucks lost a key rotational player shortly after free agency kicked off Friday night.
With Wesley Matthews reportedly signing a one-year deal worth $3.6 million with the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee will need to be active in finding his replacement. Matthews played a vital role in the Bucks’ success both offensively and defensively last season, and his production on both ends of the floor will not be easy to replicate.
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However, there are a few potential candidates to take Matthews’ spot that should be of interest to the Bucks.
Without further ado, here are three names that the team should target to fill their void at the shooting guard position.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope recently declined his $8.5 player option for next season and remains on the free agent market. Although he would likely be an expensive acquisition, the Bucks should inquire about his services, that is if he’s willing to sign for their full midlevel exception.
The seven-year veteran played a serviceable role for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, averaging 9.3 points on .467/.385/.775 shooting splits, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 25.5 minutes per game. Caldwell-Pope played a crucial part in the Lakers’ title run this season, his shooting from behind the arc and tough defensive presence on full display.
Both of those characteristics fit the bill of what the Milwaukee Bucks need to fill with Wesley Matthews out of the picture. As it stands, the guard is still available on the market, and depending on what kind of money he has on his mind, the Bucks seem like an ideal fit for the recently crowned NBA champion.