Grading Wesley Matthews’ one year deal to return to the Milwaukee Bucks
By Dalton Sell
Following the Milwaukee Bucks’ 12-game playoff run this past season, Wesley Matthews made it clear that he wanted to return for another season.
With a desire to keep playing in his home state, it did not take long for Matthews and the Bucks to come to terms on a new deal. Minutes after NBA free agency begin, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the Bucks had re-signed Matthews to a one-year contract. This move was certainly not a surprise, but let us take a closer look at the decision to retain Matthews and give it a grade.
The financial aspect of Wesley Matthews’ deal with the Milwaukee Bucks
Given how vocal Wesley Matthews was regarding his desire to return to the Milwaukee Bucks for another season, it was expected that he would take a team-friendly deal to stick around, which is precisely what happened. According to Sportrac, Matthews’ one-year deal with the Bucks will be a minimum contract worth $2.9 million for the 2022-23 NBA season, which is a great deal.
After coming aboard on a non-guaranteed deal last December, Matthews became such a key piece for the Bucks that he eventually found himself in the playoff starting five. Managing to re-sign one of the most versatile defenders on the roster and a player that can start at two-guard when called upon on a minimum deal is a sizeable win for the Bucks. Some would even call the contract a steal, and rightfully so.
Although the 35-year-old guard’s best days are behind him, keeping him for another season was a no-brainer, and the front office managed to do so on an incredibly team-friendly deal. Considering Milwaukee’s lack of financial flexibility and how challenging it can be to get free agents to come to them in free agency, this is a fantastic signing. Given how heavily Matthews will likely be utilized in coach Mike Budenholzer’s rotation next season, having him on a minimum deal is a great value.