Free Agency

[mufan2003]

"The reigning champion Bucks are believed to have interest in re-signing versatile defender P.J. Tucker on a deal framework of two years, $20 million, sources said. There's also a belief that Bobby Portis and Milwaukee hope to strike a deal."

This would be great if it actually happens, just assumed Portis was gone.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2946614-sources-free-agency-spotlight-on-cp3-the-lowry-domino-emerging-pg-carousel

[mufan2003]

https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine/status/1421850883273416705

[mufan2003]

Hard to believe this could happen if Tucker and Portis stay with Milwaukee.

https://twitter.com/TheNBACentral/status/1421823907749847051

[Goose85]

I would think Portis would want to come back. He was a great fit, and fast fan favorite. Not sure he would get that kind of love elsewhere.

Bucks need to be careful here. Not saying I don't like Tucker, but is there a better option that would be willing to take a 2 year deal to play on this team?

Forbes is moving on, so we will need another 3 point shooter at some point.

[mufan2003]

Portis is back! 2 Years, Player Option on the second year.

https://twitter.com/BPortistime/status/1422337901162029064

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1422336954985766912

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1422337375519268872

https://twitter.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1422337749227614209

[Goose85]

Great that Portis is back.

Tucker goes to Heat, and in his place the Bucks sign Semi Ojeleye to a minimum deal. I think that is a decent defensive replacement.

[mufan2003]

Great that Portis is back.

Tucker goes to Heat, and in his place the Bucks sign Semi Ojeleye to a minimum deal. I think that is a decent defensive replacement.

I remember Ojeleye doing a great job defensively on Giannis 3 years ago in the first round of the playoffs against the Celtics (went 7 games). He is 26, 6'6" and strongly built. I can understand it, given Tucker's age (36). I believe the Bucks still have the taxpayer mid-level exception, not necessarily done yet.

Both Miami and Phoenix investing heavily in older players; Lowry (35) gets 3 years at $90 million while Paul (36) gets 4 years at $120 million.

[Goose85]

I remember Ojeleye doing a great job defensively on Giannis 3 years ago in the first round of the playoffs against the Celtics (went 7 games). He is 26, 6'6" and strongly built. I can understand it, given Tucker's age (36). I believe the Bucks still have the taxpayer mid-level exception, not necessarily done yet.

Both Miami and Phoenix investing heavily in older players; Lowry (35) gets 3 years at $90 million while Paul (36) gets 4 years at $120 million.

Bucks have Lopez at 33, Holiday at 31 and Middleton at 30. Everyone else right now is 28 years old or younger.
We are in pretty good shape age wise to make a multi year run with the current group before anyone gets to the age Chris Paul is now.

[mufan2003]

Sounds like the Bucks will be signing Rodney Hood to a 1-year deal.

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1422594838889914375

[Goose85]

Core from last season coming back: Giannis, Middleton, Lopez, Holiday, DiVincenzo, Connaughton, and Portis. 7

Newcomers: Ojeleye, Hood, and Mamukelashviliv (draft pick - hope he makes the roster). 3

Bench from last year probably still in the mix: Thanasis and Nwora. 2

That's 10 players who will probably be back.

Bench from last year who knows if they are back: Merrill, Diakite, Jackson, Bryant

Gone from last year: Tucker, Teague, Forbes

Not sure about salary structure, but seems there is room for another add or two depending one if they like some of the end of bench guys.

[mufan2003]

George Hill back to Milwaukee. Played well during his time here.

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1422701496420995076?s=20

[Goose85]

George Hill back to Milwaukee. Played well during his time here.

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1422701496420995076?s=20

I worry he has nothing left in the tank. Hope I'm wrong.

[mufan2003]

I worry he has nothing left in the tank. Hope I'm wrong.

Certainly could be, but I don't mind a 1-year veteran's minimum deal. Hill keeps himself in good shape, and if he can play anywhere close to the level he did 2 years ago, it will be a good move. He had some injury issues last year in Philly, similar to how Rodney Hood had injury issues in Toronto. If both stay healthy, could be 2 under-the-radar signings.

[Goose85]

Certainly could be, but I don't mind a 1-year veteran's minimum deal. Hill keeps himself in good shape, and if he can play anywhere close to the level he did 2 years ago, it will be a good move. He had some injury issues last year in Philly, similar to how Rodney Hood had injury issues in Toronto. If both stay healthy, could be 2 under-the-radar signings.

Kind of surprised that Kemba Walker wasn't in the mix instead of Hill. No secret OKC was going to buy him out. Sounds like he is headed to the Knicks.

[TheSultan]

Hill and Hood are definitely low risk signings with potential.

I have been wondering how the Bucks are going to use their Mid-Level Exception. Or if they may hold it open for a possible trade later in the year.

[mufan2003]

Hill and Hood are definitely low risk signings with potential.

I have been wondering how the Bucks are going to use their Mid-Level Exception. Or if they may hold it open for a possible trade later in the year.

I was slightly getting my hopes up for a Danny Green, Lou Williams or Reggie Jackson surprise. Green just agreed to re-sign with Philly, Williams to re-sign with Atlanta and no rumors connecting Jackson with the Bucks. Dennis Schroeder is out there, played for Coach Bud in Atlanta, but not really needed now with George Hill in the fold.

There was some speculation that part of the taxpayer mid-level exception may have been used on Hill. It will be interesting to see if there is more coming.

[mufan2003]

Hill definitely getting some of the taxpayer mid-level exception.

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1423388355262361602

[Goose85]

Schroeder turned down some big money with the Lakers awhile back. Bet he wishes he still had that offer.

Was hoping for Williams, and we could have afforded him, but like you said, he stays with Atlanta.

I think we have better depth heading into next year, especially if DiVencenzo is healthy.