6 Point Guards Milwaukee Bucks Should Target In 2023 Free Agency

The Milwaukee Bucks have limited resources to upgrade their team this offseason, especially in free agency. However, they should address the backup point guard spot one way or another.

Milwaukee will need a backup point guard depending on what Jevon Carter decides to do with his player option, which has a trigger date of June 29. If he opts out and looks elsewhere, they’ll have another need to add to their plate.

Suppose they can re-sign Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez to deals under $50 million total in 2023-24. In that case, they’ll have the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception to use on one of their own free agents or an outside one. That gives them $5 million to sign a player where they would otherwise only have the veteran minimum.

However, suppose they use any portion of that exception. In that case, they hard cap themselves at the second apron of $182.5 million next season and can’t spend more than that amount no matter what. That’s a tightrope walk, to say the least.

Regardless of how they balance the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception and the second apron, here are six point guards they should target in free agency.

Aaron Holiday

Holiday would join his brother and provide Milwaukee with another hard-nosed, defensive-minded player. He can pressure ball handlers 94 feet from the basket, something I expect we’ll see more of under new head coach Adrian Griffin. His offense leaves a lot to be desired, and he’s not someone who will play significant minutes.

He’s a great veteran minimum candidate, which would help Milwaukee’s financial situation. Holiday understands his role and doesn’t try to do too much. He’s good for one-to-two steals per 36 minutes.

Reggie Jackson

After a breakout 2021-22 campaign of sorts with the Los Angeles Clippers, it was a rough and tumble season for Reggie Jackson. He was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, subsequently waived by them after two days, and signed with the Denver Nuggets. He rode the pine in Denver, as they won the NBA championship.

He could still bring a scoring punch off the bench in Milwaukee. He’s a score-first point guard who pressures the rim with his shot selection. It’s unclear if he’d take the veteran minimum or pursue a more lucrative deal.

Cory Joseph

Cory Joseph has been in NBA purgatory for the last several years and could be looking for an opportunity to play for a championship at this point in his career. And that’s exactly what Milwaukee can offer. Joseph is a versatile point guard who does a little bit of everything. He’s not a big scorer, but he can put the ball in the hoop, is a good three-point shooter, can set up his teammates and play some defense. He seems like the type of guy Milwaukee might like under Griffin.

Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schröder is probably the most unlikely player on this list to sign with the Bucks. Given his history, he’ll be searching for a nice payday—something Milwaukee can’t offer him. However, he had a nice season with the Los Angeles Lakers. He still shoots too much for my liking, but he could replace Jrue Holiday when he needs a rest or play alongside him.

Jevon Carter

I won’t rule Carter out, even if he opts out of his player option this week. The Bucks hold his bird rights so they could go over the second apron to re-sign him if they so desire. That will have to be a choice they make with the larger financial picture in mind.

Carter understands his role with the Bucks and plays it perfectly. He can pressure the rock in Griffin’s new defensive scheme, bringing elite intensity. He also showed he’s not done improving, as he took a step forward with his offensive game in 2022-23.

Patrick Beverley

Patrick Beverley is one of the best point guards on the market this offseason, behind the likes of Kyrie Irving, Fred VanVleet and D’Angelo Russell. He’s clearly a couple of tiers below those guys, but he could still be useful for the Bucks. He brings defensive intensity and versatility, something Griffin prioritizes in his defenses. He may have a lot of antics in his game, but Milwaukee could use someone with a mean streak again.