The Milwaukee Bucks don’t have any cap space remaining, but they can sign these five free agents to the veteran’s minimum salary.
The Milwaukee Bucks have had a busy free agency period and it’s only been one week. During that span, they’ve re-signed Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and George Hill. They completed a sign-and-trade that sent Malcolm Brogdon to the Indiana Pacers for one first-round pick and two second-round selections. And they also added Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews.
There are still some moves to come in order for the Bucks to fit all of those players under their salary cap, but it’s cleary they don’t have any space remaining. However, Milwaukee can always sign players to the veteran minimum and not have to worry about cap space. The veteran minimum is a scale which bases a player’s pay based on his years of service.
As the Bucks look to fill out the rest of their roster, here are five players they could sign ti the vet minimum.
Jason Smith
Jason Smith spent time with the Bucks last season, but barely saw the floor. Such would be the case again if Milwaukee ended up signing him. Still, the seven-footer would bring some depth to the center position and he theoretically fits Milwaukee’s offensive scheme as a three-point shooter. There are worse options available.
Kyle Korver
Kyle Korver isn’t yet a free agent, but he’s rumored to be waived by the Memphis Grizzlies. When that happens, Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Bucks are one of three front runners for his services. Even at 38-years-old, Korver is still an elite three-point shooter. He would give Milwaukee another floor spacer and someone who must be accounted for at all times. His defense leaves a lot to be desired, but he’d be a situational player for the Bucks.
Thabo Sefolosha
Thabo Sefolosha was an excellent three-and-D player during his prime. He was able to defend the better wings in the NBA and asked for very little on offense. Instead, he mostly stayed out of the way and knocked down the occasional shot when the ball found him. He’s not quite that same player, but he would be another positive veteran presence on the Bucks’ bench.
Milos Teodosic
Milwaukee only has two point guards on its roster in Eric Bledsoe and George Hill. It will likely look to add a third by the time the season begins. Milos Teodosic could be that third point guard they’re looking for. Although it’s a real chance he heads back to Europe, Teodosic is a nifty passer and decent enough shooter to make things work with the Bucks.
Jerryd Bayless
Here’s another name Bucks’ fans are familiar with. Jerryd Bayless played for the team during the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. He’s an average outside shooter and plays with the pace and purpose the Bucks look for. He’d be another decent option as a third point guard.