Milwaukee Bucks: Pass or pursue on 11 Mid-Level Exception free agents

Let’s take a look at 11 free agents projected to be available for the mid-level exception to see whether the Milwaukee Bucks should pursue or pass on them.

The NBA offseason is moving along quickly and the pace is only about to pick up. The league announced key offseason dates and the 2020-21 season looks set to tip-off on December 22nd. That means the Milwaukee Bucks must finalize their offseason plans in a hurry.

General manager Jon Horst has a number of decisions to make, and one avenue he’ll have to upgrade his roster is through the mid-level exception. As long as the Bucks don’t hard cap themselves via a trade, they’ll have about $9.3 million to spend via the mid-level exception on either one or multiple players. A useful tool, to be sure.

With free agency negotiations officially able to begin on November 20th, let’s take a look at 12 players likely to get around $9 million this offseason and whether the Bucks should pursue their services or pass on them.

First up is the bigs.

Nerlens Noel

Noel will likely command a lower salary than the full MLE, but that might be more in the ballpark of what the Bucks can afford. He’s great defensively; able to switch on the perimeter and contain guards in front of him. However, his offense is a liability. He’s a non-factor if he’s not throwing the ball down at the rim and wouldn’t fit well alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee.

Verdict: Pass

Serge Ibaka

Ibaka is coming off a terrific year from downtown in which he made 38.5 percent of his 3.3 three-point attempts per game. He’s also versatile defensively and can guard any big. He played mostly center with the Toronto Raptors last season, which could lower his price tag in free agency. If the Bucks decide to move on from one or both of the Lopez brothers, Ibaka could be a cheaper replacement who has many of the same skills.

Verdict: Pursue

Montrezl Harrell

The reigning Sixth Man of the Year would be an awkward fit with the Bucks. He’s a very good scorer, but doesn’t have much of an outside shot. Would he be able to get his own alongside Antetokounmpo? He’s also undersized and not a good defender, meaning there are a number of question marks on both ends of the court.

Verdict: Pursue

Danilo Gallinari

Gallinari will likely command more money than the full MLE, however, there’s an outside shot he settles for less money with a championship contender. If he does, the Bucks should be banging down his door. To be clear, he comes with red flags–mainly, his injury history–but when he’s healthy he’s a great fit. His outside shooting and shot creation would flow beautifully in the Bucks’ offense without being a complete liability on defense.

Verdict: Pursue