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The Milwaukee Bucks had some roster needs heading into day two of free agency. One of those was a backup 4 for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the other was a backup point guard. It seems the Bucks have addressed those needs with the signing of Bobby Portis and D.J. Augustine per Shams.
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
Free agent guard DJ Augustin has agreed to a three-year, $21M deal with Milwaukee, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
After the news and update on Pat Connaughton’s deal, it would be fair to assume Milwaukee was not leaving a good taste in the fans mouth. Now addressing two big needs seems to have helped and especially getting one of the best realistic options for a backup point guard in Augustin. Portis played 66 games for the New York Knicks last season coming off the bench and contributing with 10.1 points per game and 5.1 rebounds in 21.1 minutes. Portis was a draft favorite for Bucks fans (and then-GM John Hammond) back in the 2015 draft in which Milwaukee took Rashad Vaughn instead. Augustin has spent the last three seasons with the Orlando Magic serving as the backup to Markelle Fultz and averaged 10.5 ppg and 4.6 assists per game. Augustin is a good PnR ball handler who can shoot the three off the dribble and will be someone who can either give Jrue Holiday a break, or play the 1 and Holiday can move to the two. How this works with Milwaukee’s cap situation with Connaughton’s deal is a curious one as Keith Smith mentions.
I'm confused as to how the Bucks are adding Augustin, Portis and giving Connaughton part of their MLE (because of the player option). There is something missing somewhere in this series of transactions.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) November 21, 2020
Both players will be good veteran players that can shore up the bench and Portis can bring the toughness Milwaukee needs. What Horst has up his sleeve for the remainder of the day remains to be seen but pending a big trade, it looks like we have a good idea of what Milwaukee’s roster will be for the 2020-2021 season.