Predicting landing spots for each Milwaukee Bucks’ impending free agent

Predicting where each of the Milwaukee Bucks’ impending free agents will land: Wesley Matthews – Milwaukee Bucks

Wesley Matthews was a tremendous mid-season addition by general manager Jon Horst, as the swingman ended up playing a pivotal role for the Milwaukee Bucks down the stretch. Though the team fell short in their end goal, Matthews made it clear during his exit interview that he wishes to not only continue his NBA playing career but to do it in Milwaukee. This is the same player that turned down offers from other teams last season because he wanted to play for the Bucks, so it would not be surprising to see him do the same this offseason. Bringing Matthews back should be an easy decision for the Bucks, given that he played well as a starter for them in the playoffs and will not likely command a considerable amount in free agency. Though he is not the player he once was, Matthews can undoubtedly still be a serviceable 3-and-D wing in coach Mike Budenholzer’s rotation. Keeping the 35-year-old would be the definition of a low-risk, high-reward move.

Predicting where each of the Milwaukee Bucks’ impending free agents will land: Serge Ibaka – Brooklyn Nets

Serge Ibaka had a frustrating close to the season after being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks at the 2022 trade deadline. The center scarcely played, especially in the playoffs, where he played a mere 22 total minutes, as he was ultimately nothing more than an insurance policy as Brook Lopez was rehabbing from back surgery. Given his reputation as a quality role player in this league, Ibaka will likely look to move on from the Bucks and find a situation that can offer him a larger role, making the Brooklyn Nets possibly the perfect landing spot for him. Defense has been a looming issue for the Nets over the past several seasons, and adding a defensive-minded big man like Ibaka is a move that could help drastically, as he could provide much-needed interior protection and quality shot-blocking. Furthermore, the Nets currently employ Kevin Durant, who is a former teammate of Ibaka’s from their days with the OKC Thunder, so perhaps reuniting with him could be enticing for the veteran center as he looks for his next NBA opportunity.