Bucks were just gifted an unmistakable reclamation project

A low-risk pickup down in the G League.
San Antonio Spurs v Utah Jazz
San Antonio Spurs v Utah Jazz | Alex Goodlett/GettyImages

The Milwaukee Bucks are always poking around for more talent, and lately, one avenue they've been exploring more often is the G League. Milwaukee's affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, has been employing potential-filled players for years to essentially try out for the Bucks and other NBA teams, and they just added another in former top 13 pick Kira Lewis Jr.

Herd add a former 13th pick in eye-catching move

The Herd announced that they've acquired the rights to Kira Lewis Jr. from the Capital City Go-Go in exchange for Justin Moore and a first round pick in the 2025 G League Draft.

Lewis was drafted 13th in 2020 and has spent time with the New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto Raptors, and Utah Jazz. He never quite found his footing, appearing in over 30 games just once in his career, which came in his rookie year. The guard missed all of last season, opting to spend it down in the G League with the Go-Go. Now, he gets another fresh start in Oshkosh.

In 20 G League games last season, Lewis averaged 13.1 points, 4.9 assists, four rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. He didn't steal the spotlight, but the guard showed glimpses of being a player who was selected 13th overall in the NBA Draft for a reason. He has the chops to be a strong facilitator, pesky defender, and scoring threat if he continues to develop his game.

At 24, Lewis is still young. Even if the first few years of his NBA career didn't go well, there's still room for him to turn things around. There isn't a spot for him on the Milwaukee Bucks right now, but if he performs well in the G League, they can always clear room. It all hinges on what the Herd get from their newcomer once the season begins.

This move falls in line with the recent trend of the Herd adding recognizable NBA players who are on the hunt for redemption. Tyreke Evans, Henry Ellenson, Terrence Davis, and Justise Winslow are just a few players with NBA experience who have suited up for the franchise in recent memory. Lewis is next up to showcase why someone should take a swing at him.

This is certainly the biggest trade news of the day in Wisconsin. It's not like the Green Bay Packers did anything, right? Right?

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