The Milwaukee Bucks are in championship mode right now. One of the unique ways in the NBA to acquire talent and upgrade your roster is to “buyout” the contract of a player. How does that all work? Basically, the player and their current team agree to part ways at a mutually agreed upon price- usually a third of their existing deal- and then that player can go sign somewhere else for whatever they can get. While this is a case-by-case basis, the agreed upon new deal is usually what is called the “mid-level exception” (5.3 million this year). It varies. But it is not something you’ll see in the NFL or MLB.

A classic example involved the Bucks very own Wesley Matthews. In 2019 Matthews was traded with a bunch of other players in the infamous “Porzingis deal”. Porzingis went from New York to Dallas, Matthews went from Dallas to New York.. Matthews was in no way, shape, or form a part of the Knicks future so he was bought out and signed with the Pacers. He played with Indiana to end out the season and signed with the Bucks that summer.

So, looking ahead, who is someone the Bucks might be interested in. Remember, the Bucks have used their mid-level exemption on sharp-shooter Joe Ingles. But the allure to play on a NBA Championship contender will help Milwaukee draw interest from a bunch of different guys.

Let’s get that rumor mill started.

Terrence Ross- Orlando Magic

The 10 year NBA vet is 31. He is a slashing wing, who is playing and shooting well this year. (46% from the field, 42% from 3.) Ross is set to earn 11.5 million. He does not seem to be a player Orlando is looking to retain.

Ross is someone who is going to come up quite a bit amongst NBA fan bases. He could really add a strong, veteran bench presence. Ironically, Ross was once traded for another current Buck, Serge Ibaka. 

Ross can out jump most guys in the gym.

Will Barton- Washington Wizards

The Wizards small forward is also 31. He averages about 24 minutes a game and nine points a game. Due 14.3 million, Barton would love to get some of that money, along with having the chance to play for an NBA championship. Barton can play but is on the back nine of his career.

He would be a good fit for the Bucks because he can score and push the ball up the floor. His three pointing shooting ability is fine. But in Coach Bud’s system, he might be able to make some major gains.

Kevin Love- The Cavs

But Love is having a good year? And Love is playing on a winning team? And he has the whole” Cleveland” vibe? 

The issue here is Kevin Love’s 30 million dollar contract. In the NBA a 10 million dollar a year deal is common. Top players will earn 20 million plus. But that is a lot of money. If Cleveland could get out from under that deal they certainly would. Maybe, if things shake out the right way, Kevin Love would make a revenge signing and play with the Bucks? It’ll certainly be an interesting buyout market this year, especially if Love is in play.   

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