Milwaukee Bucks: Pass or pursue on recently rumored free agent targets
By Dalton Sell
Should the Milwaukee Bucks pass or pursue on rumored free agent target Austin Rivers?
A few weeks ago, it appeared certain that Austin Rivers was headed to Milwaukee after securing a buyout with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the Bucks were the frontrunners to sign the guard once he cleared waivers, and there was “strong mutual interest” between the two sides. Much like the situation with Brandon Knight, the fit made sense at the time, as the team needed another guard off the bench.
However, since the team signed Teague, all speculation surrounding Rivers to the Bucks has gone silent. Perhaps he envisioned a bigger role initially, but the team’s addition of Teague could compromise his minutes in a loaded backcourt rotation. It seems reasonable to believe that the guard is looking at contending destinations where he can get an established role, as his nonexistent playing time was why he was traded from the New York Knicks to the Thunder at the deadline.
Still, if Milwaukee is still in the mix of teams looking to utilize his services for the remainder of the season, then Rivers would be a solid choice to fill that final roster spot. The 28-year-old would give the team another solid rotational piece that can handle the ball when called upon and provide a decent scoring presence off the bench.
Next. 3 Bucks that could go on a tear down the final stretch. dark
With a handful of postseason experience under his belt as well, Rivers fits the bill, despite Milwaukee’s recent efforts to bulk up their guard depth.