The Milwaukee Bucks have had an interesting two-day stretch to kick off 2021 NBA Free Agency, to say the least.
While they have not made any seismic changes, they have made several smaller moves to round out the edges of this roster, highlighted by bringing Bobby Portis back on a two-year deal. They have also signed two players with high upside in Semi Ojeleye and Rodney Hood while bringing back former Buck George Hill to operate behind Jrue Holiday.
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Yet, it seems like there is something left to be desired. Perhaps that is because they have made these moves while conserving their Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception worth $5.9 million. While most of the top talent across the league has already inked deals, there are still several players searching for homes that could be feasible targets for the Bucks.
Whether or not they plan on using their MLE in the coming days, here are three players the Bucks should be targetting.
The Milwaukee Bucks should target J.J. Redick in 2021 NBA Free Agency
Shooting will always be a priority for the Bucks, making J.J. Redick a reasonable target as he currently remains unsigned on the open market.
The 15-year veteran had one of his least productive seasons shooting the basketball by hitting just 37.1 percent of his triples this season. Still, even his below-average shooting seasons are better than some player’s best ones. Shooting 41.5 percent from behind the arc for his career, Redick’s stature as one of the better shooters to play this game is well-known. The guard has made a living spacing the floor by shooting the lights out, and he could continue that with the Bucks.
With Milwaukee adopting a “let it fly” mentality under head coach Mike Budenholzer, Redick would fit in like a glove. He would be given the green light from downtown offensively, which would also make him a solid pairing with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Surrounding the two-time MVP has been the blueprint for success with the Bucks, Redick could be the latest player to fit that mold. With the Bucks losing Bryn Forbes as he heads back to the San Antonio Spurs, they will be looking for a sharpshooting replacement, which Redick would fill nicely.
Following his down year, the 37-year-old will likely not be seeking a lucrative deal. If the Bucks could secure him on a rather team-friendly deal, this would be a solid signing. Redick has detailed in the past how much he wanted to play with Bucks guard Jrue Holiday when they were with the New Orleans Pelicans, and perhaps that could be a convincing factor this time around.
The Milwaukee Bucks should target Danny Green in 2021 NBA Free Agency
Sticking with sharpshooting targets still on the market, Danny Green and J.J. Redick both fit into that category, but the former would be a clear upgrade.
Green has shot 40.1 percent from 3-point territory over his 12-year career, playing a key role on several championship-winning teams, having three rings to show for it. Whether it be Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, or many others, Green has played alongside some of the greats to play this game and hit outside shots. Next on that list could certainly be Giannis Antetokounmpo, who would benefit mightily having a player like Green camped out on the perimeter.
In addition to his sweet-shooting, Green would help bulk up this already formidable defensive unit. The swingman can guard multiple positions and would help round out a lethal defensive-minded starting five. The Bucks will be seeking defense after P.J. Tucker signed with the Miami Heat on the opening day of free agency, and Green would help alleviate that issue to some degree. While he might not be up to par with Tucker, having another robust wing defender is a bonus.
Green makes complete sense for the Bucks, and it appears they are of the same line of thinking as they have reportedly reached out to him. NBC Sports’ Harrison Sanford noted that the Bucks are among the teams that have reached out to the sharpshooter. Perhaps the team’s $5.9 million MLE could be in play here, but only time will tell.
The Milwaukee Bucks should target Victor Oladipo in 2021 NBA Free Agency
While Green and Redick would provide the Bucks with some instant shooting, the case for signing Victor Oladipo is much more complicated.
Initially, it seemed like the guard would be seeking somewhere near a max deal this offseason with the Miami Heat, but after they retooled their roster, it appears he is the odd man out. No team has obviously offered him a deal to his liking to this point, and understandably so as he has battled through injuries consistently over the past few years. Most recently, the guard underwent season-ending surgery to repair his right quadriceps tendon this past year, the same quad that he ruptured back in 2019.
The injury concerns are unquestionably there for Oladipo, especially considering that there is no set in stone timetable as to when he could return to the court following his latest surgery. Yet, if the guard is potentially willing to take a “prove it deal” to showcase that he can still contribute at an All-Star level, the Bucks could offer him the opportunity to do so on a championship-caliber team. He could be the most ideal candidate to utilize their $5.9 million exception on among the remaining targets, given that he would bring a dose of star power to the lineup.
Before the injuries began, Oladipo was an All-Star guard that was known for his electric scoring and defensive prowess. While he may lose a step following this latest quad surgery, that is not a guarantee. With plenty of time off, perhaps the 29-year-old could look to return to his previous form with a chip on his shoulder heading into next season.
The Bucks are on the record having a previous interest in Oladipo prior to last season, and perhaps that interest could still be burning.