The Bucks are among the teams with interest in free agent forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas, league sources inform Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders (Twitter link). As Scotto notes, Milwaukee doesn’t currently have an open roster spot, so the club would need to make another transaction to clear room for Kuzminskas.
After spending a decade playing professional ball overseas, Kuzminskas joined the Knicks last season and showed some promise, averaging 6.3 PPG and 1.9 RPG with a .428/.321/.809 shooting line in 68 games. In five starts, the Lithuanian forward increased those averages to 14.0 PPG and 4.2 RPG, with a .511/.391/.929 shooting line. However, he had his role significantly reduced this season and was waived on Sunday when Joakim Noah returned from the suspended list.
If the Bucks were to pursue Kuzminskas, DeAndre Liggins‘ roster spot may be in jeopardy. There’s some overlap between the two players’ positions, and Liggins is the only player on Milwaukee’s roster on a non-guaranteed contract. Jason Terry could also be a release candidate, since he’s only appeared briefly in four games for the Bucks this season. However, he has a fully guaranteed salary and the team values his locker room presence.
Shortly after being cut by the Knicks, Kuzminskas expressed a desire to continue his career in the NBA, and the Lakers, Bulls, and Hawks are among the clubs also expected to kick the tires on him.
I like the fit bit would look to cut Rashad Vaughn since he clearly has no future with Milwaukee since his 4th year option was declined. At least Jet provides a good veteran presence for their young core
Cut terry or vaughn(I like him but we didn’t pick up his option so he’ll be a free agent
Liggins is clearly replaceable. He’s been cut multiple times in the last few years. All he adds is a defensive presence. Kuzminskas adds a lot more to the roster then Liggins. If there’s a guard injury I’d feel more comfortable playing Terry or Vaughn in an important game than Liggins
It doesn’t send a great message to the team if you cut Liggins, who has been an exceptional defender.