Jevon Carter declines player option with the Bucks: Reaction and Analysis

Fresh off the best year of his NBA career, Jevon Carter was set to ponder a player option with the Milwaukee Bucks for the 2023-24 season.

Carter has made his decision, as HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto has reported that the guard’s option has been declined and that he will hit free agency.

Jevon Carter declines player option with the Bucks: Reaction and Analysis

This news is not surprising at all. Carter took a discount to return to Milwaukee last off-season to bet on himself, and he backed it up by putting up the best numbers of his career. The guard proved that he could be an excellent perimeter shooter and defender as he played the largest role of his NBA career to date. Starting in 39 of his 81 appearances, Carter’s importance was on display for the Milwaukee Bucks consistently. Yet, for the second consecutive year under Mike Budenholzer, Carter’s role decreased in the postseason.

Now, Carter will hit the open market, and no shortage of teams would love to have him in town. Teams like the Phoenix Suns or San Antonio Spurs, who could use another guard and perimeter defense, would benefit mightily from adding a player like Carter. The same goes for the Bucks. Carter’s role may have lessened in the playoffs, but that was under the previous regime. With a new voice in Adrian Griffin in town, perhaps he could truly utilize Carter properly. The guard has experience with Milwaukee’s core and brings tough defense and shooting, so keeping him on a new deal would certainly be justifiable for the Bucks.

The major question is what exactly Carter may be seeking in free agency. After getting a taste of what being a full-time starter is, does he want that? Does he want a hefty payday after putting up the best averages of his career? Both would be understandable, but the Bucks should aim to keep the guard in town. With their limited assets, finding a replacement backup point guard who fits in just as well and possesses the same attributes would be challenging.

Only time will tell how things ultimately shake out here.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis and NBA free agency rumors.