What does Rayjon Tucker’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks look like?

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 10 (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 10 (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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As they looked to fill their final roster spot before the postseason, the Milwaukee Bucks signed a familiar face in Rayjon Tucker back in April.

Of course, Tucker had been in Wisconsin for quite some time already as he had been a star for the Wisconsin Herd, Milwaukee’s G-League affiliate. Bringing Tucker aboard during the final stretch of the regular season and throughout the playoffs was not only a great gesture for a player that has given so much to the Herd, but it was also to get a better look at some of their in-house talent at the G-League level. Now, with Milwaukee’s season over, the front office will have to make some decisions about Tucker’s future with the franchise.

What does Rayjon Tucker’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks look like?

After playing on a rest of the year contract worth $28.8 million this past season, Tucker’s deal is set to have two more years, both of which are non-guaranteed, per Spotrac. The contract is set at $1.8 million for the 2022-23 season and just a tick under $2 million the following season if they get guaranteed. Given how low those figures are in the NBA landscape, the financial specifics here would not be the biggest hurdle in retaining Tucker, as those numbers are team-friendly, especially for a team that is low on flexibility like the Milwaukee Bucks. The question is what does the team see in Tucker and whether or not they believe he can be a piece to help them win.

On the floor, Tucker did not get enough playing time this season to dictate whether he could be a legitimate piece for the Bucks. The two guard appeared in just two games for 42 total minutes of action, having primarily served as a spectator on the sidelines after coming aboard. Yet, when he was fortunate to hit the court, Tucker oftentimes showed glimpses of potential, having averaged 7.5 points per game while shooting 5-of-7 from the field, including 3-of-3 from three. In addition to his scoring and shooting, the 24-year-old made an impact elsewhere as he notched six assists and three steals during his limited action. While it certainly does not come in the largest sample size, the Bucks could be intrigued by what Tucker showcased when given an opportunity.

Aside from his ties to the organization, among the biggest reasons why the Bucks signed Tucker was the potential he has shown in the G-League. Over three years and 48 regular season games, the 6-foot-3 guard has put up some reputable numbers by averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Tucker has flat-out stuffed the stat sheet during his time in the G-League, and numbers like that could undoubtedly be captivating for the Bucks. Many have clamored for the front office to add more youth to the roster this offseason, given how much the team relied on veterans this past season, and keeping a 24-year-old guard would fit the billing in that regard.

Keeping Tucker around would be a low-risk move for the Bucks, given his minimal salary and his solid play when given an opportunity last season. On the other hand, if the front office decides to go in another direction and let Tucker go, it would not be surprising to see him end up back with the Herd, given that he has familiarity with the franchise, and they would likely welcome him back with open arms. It will depend on what the Milwaukee Bucks decide to do with Tucker’s contract when the time comes to guarantee it or let him go.

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Stay tuned to see what ultimately happens with Rayjon Tucker in the coming months.