The Milwaukee Bucks have signed forward Bobby Portis and guard DJ Augustin in the beginning days of free agency. These moves come days after the alleged sign-and-trade with Bogdan Bogdonavic fell through, so Jon Horst decided to upgrade the bench instead.
Bobby Portis: Outlook
Portis, a five year veteran from Arkansas, comes to Milwaukee on a two year deal. Last season with the Knicks, Portis averaged 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, while shooting 45% from the field and 35% from three point range. He brings size (6’10”) while also providing the Bucks with an option to spread the floor. His best career year was 2018-19 with Chicago when he averaged 14.2 points and 5.9 rebounds, shooting 44% from the field and 39% from deep. The one question mark is consistency. However, in a reduced role on the second unit, Portis will have chances to have meaningful outbursts for a contender.
Bobby Portis is joining Milwaukee on a two-year deal, with a player option in the second season, sources said. Bucks receive a major frontcourt addition, and Portis has opportunity to play key role on a title contender. https://t.co/fr5SKO501u
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
D.J. Augustin: Outlook
Augustin, a sharpshooting NBA veteran, signs with the Bucks for a three year, $21 million deal. Spending his last four years in Orlando, this will be Augustin’s ninth team in his entire 12 year career. Last season with the Magic, Augustin averaged 11.7 points and 5.3 assists, while shooting a career-high 47% from the field and 42% from three. Augustin will slide perfectly into the same role George Hill had, as the 6th man that can command Milwaukee’s bench unit.
DJ Augustin playing made you look with Trae 👀 pic.twitter.com/XHr0XrWoxZ
— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) April 5, 2019
Cap Update:
According to Bobby Marks, after these two deals have been completed, the Bucks currently have 11 players under contract. Depending on future trades or transactions, it is likely that the number 11 might change quickly.
Cap update on Milwaukee
Part of the ML used on DJ Augustin
Biannual on Bobby Portis$4M below the luxury tax
$6M below the hard cap
11 players under contract— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) November 21, 2020
Bringing in Portis and Augustin certainly help, but I would not bet against Jon Horst throwing in the towel now. Moves will still be made, as the Bucks continue to try and contend for an NBA title.
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