Reaction to Wesley Matthews’ signing with the Atlanta Hawks by the Bucks
As the days passed following the start of 2023 NBA Free Agency, it became increasingly clear that the Milwaukee Bucks would not be re-signing veteran swingman Wesley Matthews.
Indeed, Matthews will not be returning to the Bucks next season, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who reports that the veteran has agreed to a one-year contract with the Atlanta Hawks. Matthews has been a key contributor for the Bucks over the last two seasons, so this trade might have a significant impact on the team’s wing rotation next season.
Reaction to Wesley Matthews’ signing with the Atlanta Hawks by the Bucks
Matthews has been the Bucks’ primary wing defender since signing with the franchise in late 2021. While he wasn’t the player he once was, Matthews still produced excellent defense; good enough defense that many expected him to return for a third consecutive season. That, however, will not be the case. Matthews will now most likely play a useful defensive role for the Hawks.
The Bucks clearly wanted to go in a different way here. In addition to aiming to open up more minutes for MarJon Beauchamp, the Bucks have Chris Livingston, AJ Green, and Andre Jackson Jr. on their roster, and they may all contribute as Head Coach Adrian Griffin embraces more youth.
In addition to wanting to include the young men more, the Bucks brought back Jae Crowder and are now counting on him to fill the position of Matthews. When an elite wing scorer is on the schedule, Crowder will most likely be one of the major defenders due to his experience. Allowing Matthews to leave also demonstrates the team’s belief in Jae’s ability to rebound this season.
Overall, the opportunity for the young guys to play will be there; the question is who will play the toughest defense to acquire it. Beauchamp is the obvious choice here, but the other young men should not be overlooked, as they have a lot of potential.
