Everyone is waiting for the Milwaukee Bucks to make a move before the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, but it's their G-League affiliate that has gotten busy instead.
The Wisconsin Herd announced that they have traded Jazian Gortman to the Rip City Remix for Malachi Smith. There was a lot of hype surrounding Gortman amongst the Bucks fanbase this past summer, but now he will head elsewhere.
Bucks' G-League affiliate trades away Summer League fan-favorite
After going undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, Gortman found his way to the Bucks as a member of their Summer League team. He didn't play an overly prominent role, but whenever he did, the guard oftentimes showcased glimpses of two-way potential. The Bucks clearly believed something was there, as they inked him to a training camp deal soon after.
Jazian Gortman sizes up Jabari Smith and does a nasty step back on him.
— 𝐁𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 (@Bucks_Take) August 22, 2023
This kid is gonna be special pic.twitter.com/MKR5tRRTST
With the Bucks needing a backup point guard, there were fans clamoring for the franchise to give the youngster a chance via a two-way contract. However, once TyTy Washington, a first round pick from the 2022 NBA Draft, became available, Milwaukee pounced on him and handed him a two-way deal. They also inked Cameron Payne to a standard contract to beef up their point guard rotation.
Those moves left Gortman out of the mix, allowing him to join the Herd in the G-League. That gave the guard an opportunity to work on his craft and get legitimate game reps. He'll continue to do that, but it will not be with the Herd. At 20 years old, there is still plenty of room for Gortman to grow, and it will be fascinating to see what kind of player he turns into as time ultimately goes on.
so long gorty 🫡🫡🫡
— FREAK SHAKE (@bucksinfour) January 13, 2024
pic.twitter.com/d2CWB9LUUb https://t.co/T9AoxPhemf
Sticking with two-way slots, the Bucks do have a pair of deals available after recently cutting ties with Lindell Wigginton and Marques Bolden. If a young player in the G-League impresses, they could bring them aboard with a two-way deal. Everyone is anxiously waiting to see who the Bucks will sign with those deals, as it gives them a great chance to reinforce their depth while adding some youth.
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