Bucks explored going in different direction at shooting guard spot in free agency

Earlier this offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks somehow signed Gary Trent Jr. to a minimum contract in NBA Free Agency to round out their roster with 15 standard players.

To many, it's arguably the biggest steal of the offseason, as the Bucks brought in a clear-cut starting shooting guard who is among the best shooters in the NBA. Most Milwaukee fans couldn't be happier about the addition, but a recent interview shows that the Bucks may have been looking at a different shooting guard at one point, which would have seen them go down a far different path.

NBA veteran sheds light on contact with Bucks in free agency

In a recent interview with Basket News, 12-year NBA veteran Evan Fournier revealed that the Bucks were among the teams in contact with him this offseason.

"I had contacts with a few NBA title contenders. One in particular, Milwaukee. An interest that didn't come to fruition.

Ultimately, rather than holding out for an offer from a contender that might only keep him waiting, Fournier decided to depart the league entirely and head to Europe to play for Olympiacos Piraeus.

At this point in his career, Fournier wouldn't have been the most exciting addition to this Bucks roster. Over the last two seasons, the 31-year-old guard averaged 6.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 34.9 percent from the floor and 27.9 percent from three in 17.6 minutes per contest. For a good portion of that, he was glued to the sidelines, being benched with the New York Knicks.

Fournier may have been a fine addition to their camp roster as the Milwaukee Bucks aimed to see if he had any fuel left in the tank, as recent history shows that this team can never have too many wings, but a standard roster spot would have been a bit more puzzling.

Things certainly worked out in Milwaukee's favor with the signing of Trent. It's not controversial at all to think Trent is the better player and that he raises the team's ceiling far more than Fournier would've, giving them one of the best shooting guards they've had on the payroll in a long time.

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