Milwaukee Bucks: Patty Mills and 2 other targets in NBA free agency

Milwaukee Bucks targets in NBA free agency: 2. Austin Rivers

If the Milwaukee Bucks are unable to recruit Patty Mills in free agency, they could shift to pursuing another veteran guard in Austin Rivers. The Bucks reportedly had an interest in signing Rivers last season and there seemed to be mutual interest, but Milwaukee decided to go with Jeff Teague instead, who had ties with head coach Mike Budenholzer.

It’s possible that a mutual connection could be revisited again, especially after the 28-year-old proved to be a productive asset for the Denver Nuggets during the playoffs. Rivers averaged 9.2 points per game on 41.3 percent from beyond the arc throughout the postseason.

He’d be a worthy role player for the Bucks as a tough-minded guy that can be a backup point guard, off-ball shooter, provide guard depth, and increase the appetite to succeed. Austin Rivers would also be a low-cost option, and that’s what Milwaukee would ultimately prefer.