Bucks swingman Wesley Matthews plans to decline his $2.7MM player option for the 2020/21 season and enter unrestricted free agency, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link).
Matthews averaged 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 24.4 minutes per game with Milwaukee last season, seeing an average of 24.4 minutes per contest. He’s expected to be one of the more sought-after three-and-D wings on the open market, with multiple contenders likely to express interest. As such, it makes sense for him to turn down an option worth the veteran’s minimum.
Among the teams with an early interest in the 34-year-old is the Lakers, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times (Twitter link). Los Angeles is expected to trade Danny Green as part of the team’s deal to acquire Dennis Schroder from Oklahoma City and reportedly view Matthews as a potential replacement for Green next season.
Matthews has played 11 NBA seasons in his career, making past stops with Utah, Portland, Dallas, New York, Indiana and Milwaukee. He went undrafted back in 2009 after spending four seasons at Marquette.
Lakers are the only contender with a starting role for him for sure bucks , heat etc he might be a backup kinda easy to see where this is going to head
players that opt in, are they eligible to be traded now?
Yes
Once the moratorium ends anyway. That’s why the option deadline and the end of the trade moratorium are the way they are.
Miami Heat expressing significant interest in Wesley.
Wes Matthews agent has plan with officials from both Mavs and Raptors so far
This is DiVincenzo’s chance but will the Bucks give to him or sign an FA to play the 2 spot?
I’d be shocked if he doesn’t join the Lakers
He’s a good mix for Lakers. And is cheaper than Pope. I guess this means they don’t resign Pope. Can probably get at least 4-5 mill.
Can start kcp and Matthews at the 2 and 3
Jimmy Buckets be calling right about now.
He can start at sg for Lakers or maybe or maybe not have a rotation spot with heat !
not a good pick up for the lakers, imo!
Rondo is gone, will waive and stretch Cook
If Lakers get rid of KCP, Bradley, Morris and Howard, they can have 10.7 million cap room to sign free agents.
KCP has 11 million cap hold.
KCP cap hold is a “killer” on free agent market.
Ummm maybe? But you’re leaving out the most important part. Also what about his brother? Cap is more important than you think.
Laker bound…