Just when it seemed as though the Milwaukee Bucks were out of options, they landed the biggest steal of the summer by signing unexpected free agent Amir Coffey. Coffey was fresh off of a season in which he shot the lights out for the LA Clippers, but was ultimately written out of their plans.
Milwaukee capitalized on the Clippers' polarizing decision by signing one of the best shooters in the NBA at a minimal cost.
Coffey, 28, spent the past six seasons with the Clippers, cementing his status as a top-tier shooter in 2024-25. Unfortunately, he was omitted from LA's postseason rotation and thus appeared to be destined to be tasked with searching for a new home.
The Bucks ultimately took a chance on Coffey, who provides a desperately-needed supply of depth to a team that's operating with painfully limited resources.
Prior to adding Coffey, the Bucks' projected depth in the frontcourt featured Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, and Myles Turner. That's by no means poor, but a majority of the players listed are either inefficient or low-volume three-point shooters.
By bringing Coffey into the mix, the Bucks have suddenly created the potential for explosive exploits along the perimeter that can open up the floor for their high-profile bigs.
Amir Coffey was the perfect last-minute signing for the Bucks.
Coffey finished the 2024-25 season averaging 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.4 three-point field goals made in 24.3 minutes per game. He did so while shooting at a clip of .471/.409/.891, amassing an eFG% of .570.
Coffey's production translated to marks of 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.1 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes—the type of volume the bench undoubtedly needed.
The primary strength of Coffey's game is that he's a 6'7" forward with a high release point and elite results in catch-and-shoot situations. In 2024-25, he shot 42.1 percent on catch-and-shoot threes—up from 39.3 percent in 2023-24.
For a Bucks team that ranked No. 1 in the NBA in three-point field goal percentage but No. 18 in attempts in 2024-25, adding Coffey was an essential step toward an improvement in volume.
Turner will help replace Brook Lopez on both ends of the floor, including his value in catch-and-shoot situations. The hurdle facing the Bucks, however, is finding a way to continue shooting efficiently despite the loss of Damian Lillard.
Coffey and Lillard are by no means identical players, but strengthening the depth at forward with a legitimate sharpshooter certainly helps with the purpose of spacing.
Unlike other shooters on the Bucks' roster, however, Coffey is capable of attacking closeouts, playing above the rim, and knocking down difficult shots from midrange. He's more of a scorer than a pure shooter, but his elite efficiency has created immediate off-ball value.
Instead of accepting their fate, Milwaukee made one last effort to bolster the rotation and landed a player who could become an essential contributor in 2025-26.