Bucks add former top 10 pick with connection to star guard, but there's a catch

The Milwaukee Bucks have beefed up their G-League roster with the addition of former 10th overall pick Justise Winslow. HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto announced the move on X, with the former Miami Heat wing agreeing to an Exhibit 10 deal.

Justise Winslow spent last season in the G League with the Raptors 905. The lottery pick from 2015 has ties to Bucks guard Damian Lillard, having spent just over a season together with him in the latter part of 2021-22 and 2022-23 in Portland. Across his career, he has averaged 8.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists across eight seasons in the association.

Many teams have taken a flyer on Winslow, with him featuring in just 114 games in his previous four seasons in the NBA. For the Bucks, this is a great opportunity, as they know how good the rewards can be. On an Exhibit 10 deal, there are no financial constraints to tie themselves to. The 28-year-old actually worked out with the team in Las Vegas this offseason, so the Bucks clearly feel there is plenty left in the tank and that he can potentially offer something that is missing from the roster.

Given that this is an Exhibit 10, the catch is that Winslow will inevitably not make the standard roster to start the season, meaning he will likely begin in the G-League with the Wisconsin Herd. However, that doesn't have to be permanent.

Could Justise Winslow be a part of the Bucks roster this season?

Adding another wing that can play both the small and forward positions is something the Bucks will have looked at with both Tyler Smith and Chris Livingston still being raw and struggling slightly in preseason. Taurean Prince is a nice veteran position, but there is a possibility Winslow could find his way moving up from the Exhibit 10 deal to a full contract at some point.

Of course this would mean the Milwaukee Bucks would have to make moves to free up a roster spot.

Winslow was traded to Portland in the 21-22 season and featured in 11 games, averaging 10.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists. The following season, he played just 29 times after having season-ending ankle surgery. Prior to that, he was putting up 6.8 points, five boards and 3.4 assists.

A career defensive rating of 107.9 is also a huge bonus, should he feature in the NBA with the Bucks as they try to build a strong defense.

The regular season is just one week away, so it is unlikely any move will be made soon, but adding someone with the experience of Winslow shows the Bucks may be thinking of something. Having worked out with the team in the offseason shows they have a belief in him, and having played with Lillard gives him a built-in connection with the franchise.

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