Milwaukee Bucks: Grades for D.J. Augustin’s three-year, $21 million deal

Exploring D.J. Augustin’s role with the Milwaukee Bucks

There’s no illusion to what kind of role that Augustin will be asked to serve in light of the Bucks shaking up their roster going into free agency.

While they have landed a superior upgrade at the point guard spot with Holiday, parting ways with Hill certainly was tough to swallow, albeit necessary to get such a deal done. Now with Augustin reportedly in the mix, they have a veteran capable of bringing the stability and shooting they need off the dribble at the lead guard spot.

The 33-year-old had been used to occupying a starting role during his four years with the Magic, more so than at any other stay he’s had over his NBA career. But the Magic had been transitioning Augustin to a reserve role after handing the keys over to Markelle Fultz.

With the Magic potentially turning towards a new direction, Augustin was seemingly free to look for another landing spot, especially as one of the more quality options out there in free agency from the lead guard position. And teams like the Bucks, the Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks were among those that had a reported interest in Augustin going into free agency.

In the end, the Bucks won out with their combination of offering up rich offer with most of their midlevel exception, a meaningful role within their rotation and playing for a potential championship contender.