When the Milwaukee Bucks signed Amir Coffey, it was a shining example of the power of resourcefulness. At a time when it seemed as though Milwaukee was out of options, it brought in a sharpshooting scorer who can instantly improve the quality of the second unit.
Unfortunately, new details about Coffey's contract have complicated the matter of adding him to the roster without losing what little depth is in place.
Eric Nehm of The Athletic reported that Coffey signed a training camp deal with the Bucks in mid-August. The external hope was that it would be an Exhibit 10 contract, which would've given Milwaukee the ability to convert it into a a standard minimum deal while leaving the door open for a G League stint.
Unfortunately, Bobby Marks of Sports Business Classroom reported that the deal contains Exhibit 9 language, but not Exhibit 10—thus implying that Coffey will not consider the G League route (h/t Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors).
"Amir Coffey‘s non-guaranteed training camp contract with the Bucks contains Exhibit 9 language protecting the team in the event of a preseason injury, but not Exhibit 10 language, according to Marks at Sports Business Classroom. Coffey has too many years of NBA service to qualify for a two-way contract, so conversion via Exhibit 10 wouldn’t have been an option — still, the lack of an Exhibit 10 bonus suggests that he doesn’t intend to play for Milwaukee’s G League affiliate if he doesn’t make the regular season roster."
In other words: If the Bucks opt against converting Coffey's contract to a standard minimum deal, the most likely outcome is that they'll lose him entirely.
G League not an option if Amir Coffey doesn't make regular season roster
The obvious counter to this concern is that Coffey played 24.3 minutes per game on a 50-win team during the 2024-25 regular season. As such, it was always going to be unlikely that he would consider a stint in the G League if the Bucks couldn't find space for him on the regular-season roster.
The absence of Exhibit 10 language all but confirms that reality, however, thus making the need to create space on the roster instantly essential.
With this in mind, Milwaukee must be proactive in figuring out how it can fit Coffey into its financial and structural future. Doing so could require the team to part with Andre Jackson Jr., whose guarantee date has been pushed back—perhaps to give the front office time to weigh its options.
Regardless of who the Bucks ship out, the harsh reality is that bringing Coffey aboard will require them to part ways with a current talent—as he's seemingly unwilling to play the long game for them.
It's understandable, as the 28-year-old took a massive step forward in 2024-25. He averaged 9.7 points and 1.4 three-point field goals made in 24.3 minutes per game, which translates to 14.3 points and 2.1 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes.
With the explosiveness to play above the rim, the midrange game and first step to attack closeouts with variety, and a 40.9 percent mark from beyond the arc, Coffey is a high-level late addition.
For a Bucks team in dire need of depth and size along the wings, it's difficult to envision a scenario in which the 6'7" Coffey isn't signed for the 2024-25 season. Throw in the fact that he shot 42.1 percent on catch-and-shoot threes in 2024-25 and 39.3 percent in 2023-24, and Coffey could realistically play major minutes for the Bucks in 2025-26.
Unfortunately, the Exhibit 9 language in his training camp deal all but ensures that the Bucks will either sign him to a standard minimum contract or lose him to a competitor.