The Milwaukee Bucks stunned the NBA on Tuesday, and now they’ll look to fill out the rest of their roster this summer.
The Bucks made a bold move less than 24 hours after free agency opened, waiving Damian Lillard and stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract over five years to clear cap space. With the added flexibility, they signed Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million contract. They also re-signed key rotation players, including Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, Kevin Porter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr.
With Porter Jr. likely to step into a starting role, Milwaukee is now looking for depth at the point guard position and is expected to explore cost-effective options this offseason.
According to The Athletic, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Cameron Payne and Monte Morris are all potential veteran targets for the Bucks. However, the team could also consider former Philadelphia guard Jared Butler, especially if they were to strike out on more established names.
MORE: Bucks linked to nine-time All-Star after waiving Damian Lillard
The 76ers declined Butler’s $2.35 million team option Friday, making him an unrestricted free agent. The Baylor product began the 2024-25 campaign with the Wizards on a two-way pact before eventually being traded to Philadelphia and having his contract converted to a standard deal.
Butler took on an increased role with the 76ers amid a litany of injuries. He appeared in 28 regular-season outings (17 starts) with Philadelphia, averaging 11.5 points, 4.9 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals across 24.3 minutes per game during that span.
Entering his fifth season in the NBA, Butler could provide a spark off Milwaukee’s bench following the most productive stretch of his professional career.
While the 24-year-old hasn’t made much of an impact in the NBA, he helped lead Baylor to the 2021 NCAA championship and was named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.
MORE BUCKS NEWS:
- Damian Lillard announcement earns universal praise after Bucks shockingly cut star
- Damian Lillard's feelings revealed after being waived by Bucks
- Bucks’ new addition Myles Turner declines lowball offer from Pacers
- Bucks tied to Cole Anthony after moving on from Damian Lillard
- Bucks linked to reunion with Cameron Payne in free agency