5 wild card targets for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2022 NBA free agency

T.J. Warren could be a wild card free agent target for the Milwaukee Bucks

The past two seasons have unquestionably been difficult for T.J. Warren. The forward has played in a mere four games over the past two seasons, which included missing the entire 2021-22 season, due to stress fractures in his foot. While Warren’s extended absence could be worrisome and has some questioning whether he could be the same player he was pre-injury, the Milwaukee Bucks would be wise to find out by taking a flyer on him in NBA free agency this coming offseason.

When healthy, Warren was an electric scorer, having averaged 15.5 points per game while sinking 50.7 percent of his field goals and 35.7 percent of his 3-pointers. On impact, adding Warren would bulk up Milwaukee’s lackluster second unit scoring numbers. The veteran forward could also shore up the team’s wing depth, which was a notable flaw throughout the playoffs once Khris Middleton went down with an MCL sprain. In addition to being another wing, Warren’s presence would allow Mike Budenholzer to be more flexible with his lineups, given the forward’s 6-foot-8, 220lb stature. In short, Warren checks off several boxes that the front office needs to tend to this offseason.

Given that he has missed considerable time over the past two years, Warren’s free agent value is uncertain right now. Perhaps the forward would be willing to take a “prove it” deal to display that he can still play at the highest level, which would make him an ideal target for Milwaukee. At just 28-years-old, Warren likely still has plenty left in the tank, and he could be the perfect fit for this Bucks’ bench brigade. This is the definition of a low-risk, high-reward move, so the Bucks should be keeping a close eye on Warren in an attempt to lure him away from their Central Division rival.