Rumors about the Milwaukee Bucks adding to their roster continue to be rife, with Bennedict Mathurin mentioned as a target for the team, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. As good a player as Mathurin is, acquiring him via sign-and-trade would only add to the Bucks' overcrowded backcourt and create an even bigger battle for the starting spots than what is already in the building.
Mathurin would add to the Bucks' backcourt selection headache
Mathurin would absolutely add a quality body to the Bucks roster, and at 24-years-old, he can still grow in this new era with the team. Last season, he averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on shooting splits of .430/.315/.869. His 3-point shooting dipped heavily when he was traded to the LA Clippers, but overall his stats stayed largely consistent.
The big issue is that the Bucks roster currently stands at eight guards, as the team sits at 17 standard contracts and has to cut it down to 15. That goes without even mentioning where he fits into the rotation on the floor. To many, the obvious starting pairing would be Ryan Rollins and Tyler Herro, leaving Mathurin in a weird spot.
There is the potential for flexibility, with Mathurin able to play at the three should Taylor Jenkins want to go slightly smaller. If he is acquired in a sign-and-trade, the Bucks could send some of those guards to LA. However, it's unclear if that is on the table.
Bucks' moves are seemingly on the way regardless
Moves in Milwaukee are likely imminent. Peyton Watson is one name they have been heavily rumored to be targeting, along with Jonathan Kuminga. Their interest in those two makes sense, given that they are both forwards. Adding yet another guard would be far more puzzling. With or without Mathurin in the fold, the backcourt needs sorting.
Tyler Herro is an extension candidate. During Summer League, Brayden Burries was extremely impressive and showed he can be a key contributor right away. Kam Jones was solid on a two-way deal in that same timeframe. Kasparas Jakucionis was part of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade and provides intrigue. That is all before you get to solid role players in AJ Green and Kevin Porter Jr.
Adding Mathurin would absolutely improve the Bucks now and in the long-term while also potentially helping them move off some of the more expendable guards. The issue is that giving him a contract would suddenly throw another wrench into the backcourt. Rollins and Herro are likely to garner heavy minutes regardless, but there is no telling what would happen to everyone else.
Plenty of options for the Bucks to answer these questions, but there is still more to come from them this summer.
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