The Milwaukee Bucks should keep an eye on Jeff Green in free agency

The Milwaukee Bucks should be aggressive in trying to retool their roster this coming offseason, and one player they should have on their radar is Jeff Green.

Green just wrapped up a quality season with the Denver Nuggets where he averaged 10.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 24.7 minutes per game. The 35-year-old is now set to ponder his upcoming player option worth $4.5 million for next season, and the Bucks should keep a close eye on his decision. If he opts out and tests the free agent waters, Green could be a feasible target for Milwaukee to consider chasing ahead of next season.

Why the Milwaukee Bucks should keep an eye on Jeff Green in free agency

There was talk of Jeff Green potentially being a free agent target for the Milwaukee Bucks after their title run due to the uncertainty surrounding Bobby Portis. Following the Bucks’ title-winning season, many expected Portis to depart from Milwaukee and seek a well-deserved raise that the defending champions could not offer. Had Portis left, Green would have been a decent addition to this roster to give the Bucks some depth, but none of that mattered once Portis put pen to paper and agreed to return to Milwaukee for another go-round.

Now, an offseason later, Portis and the Bucks are set to be in the same situation as the former will have a player option, one that would be quite shocking to see him accept, given that he has earned a raise. If Portis does ultimately leave in free agency, the Bucks will desperately need to add depth in the frontcourt, and Green could be a great addition. The forward posted solid numbers in Denver this past season and has been a serviceable role player throughout his lengthy NBA career, which could make him a great pickup in the event that Milwaukee needs to add some size.

Green could be an interesting player to address several of the current issues on this Bucks’ roster. First, he would be a perfect small-ball power forward for coach Mike Budenholzer to utilize when the Bucks go to their lineups with Giannis Antetokounmpo at center. Milwaukee lacked that ideal small-ball four in their playoff run this past season due to P.J. Tucker’s absence, and adding Green could help prevent that issue from surfacing once again down the line.

The 35-year-old forward could also be useful in shoring up Milwaukee’s bench scoring, as he has averaged double-digit points in four of his last five seasons. Per NBA.com/stats, the Bucks’ bench ranked 27th in points per game during the 2021-22 season, which hindered them throughout the season, especially in the playoffs. This is something the front office needs to address, and though Green is not the flashiest name, he could undeniably help.

Ultimately, any interest in Green will rely on two things. First, Green would have to opt out of his player option with the Nuggets for next season. Second, Portis would have to opt out of his deal and find a new home in free agency. It seemed like this exact situation was floated around during the previous offseason, and it could potentially resurface again this offseason.

Of course, the Milwaukee Bucks should do what it takes to retain Bobby Portis this offseason, but there is no guarantee that he will return right now.