Report: Bucks Decline Option for Vaughn, Pick Up for Maker

Rashad Vaughn’s peculiar career as a Milwaukee Buck looks like it might be over following this season, while Thon Maker’s (obviously) will continue. Per several sources including Michael Scotto and Matt Velazquez, the Bucks will not exercise Rashad Vaughn’s fourth-year option, sending the goofball guard into the waters of unrestricted free agency next summer.

This doesn’t completely shut the door on Vaughn’s return to the Bucks; his unrestricted free agency means any team is game to sign him. However, it does provide a smidge of cap relief for a team in dire need of it going forward. The Vaughn decision doesn’t equal Milwaukee signing a big-time free agent, but more it aids their ability to tightrope walk beneath the luxury tax as Malcolm Brogdon and Khris Middleton require new contracts.

In other, even less surprising news, the team also opted to exercise the third-year team option on Thon Maker, who is both the Bucks’ starting center and tantalizing prospective front court partner of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Maker’s decision was obvious given he’s part of their young core going forward, but Vaughn’s must’ve required a bit more deliberation. The former 17th pick in the 2015 draft is still just 21, but even the youth argument has its breaking point. That snap probably came after two straight seasons of sub-par shooting (31.1% career from three) after being drafted ostensibly for his shooting.

Here’s looking at you, Shad.