2019 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Wesley Matthews: 1 year, $2.6 million (Milwaukee Bucks)
Free agent G Wesley Matthews has agreed to a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019
The Milwaukee Bucks had taken the cheap way out by not ponying up for Malcolm Brogdon, but with Wisconsin native Wesley Matthews agreeing to join on a veteran minimum contract, things may have worked out okay after all.
To be clear, re-signing George Hill and adding a 32-year-old Matthews who tore his Achilles back in 2015 probably still isn’t enough to replace Brogdon. Matthews’ numbers have declined with each passing season since his injury, slipping to 12.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game this past season.
However, he also knocked down 37.2 percent of his 3s, and that 3-and-D skill-set will be huge in trying to replace Brogdon’s two-way efficiency. Keeping Brogdon still would’ve been better, but getting a well-respected veteran like Matthews on a minimum contract is quite a way to bounce back.
Grade: A-