NBA Rumors: Bucks Could Take A Chance On Veteran Sharpshooter Next Season

There could be finally light at the end of the tunnel for J.R. Smith with hopes of seeing him finally back in action once more. After formally getting waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers recently, no team has been closely linked to the veteran swingman. The latest, however, is that the Milwaukee Bucks could end up signing the 18th overall pick of the 2004 NBA Draft.

League sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic that the Bucks will have a free-agent meeting with the 33-year-old cager. Milwaukee has two open roster spots available so adding Smith could provide the bench of head coach Mike Budenholzer a big boost. This is not only just in scoring but also in experience, seeing how the Sixth Man of the Year winner back in 2013 has already tasted NBA gold with the Cavs back in 2016.

After trading away Malcolm Brogdon to the Indiana Pacers, the Bucks are looking for another scorer coming off the bench to help out Giannis Antetokounmpo and company. Depending on how talks go, the best that Milwaukee may be able to offer him is the NBA minimum which some feel could hinder negotiations. Smith is one of few players that can help multiple teams - meaning there is a chance that he could opt to join a ballclub offering him the best financial package.

One team that was initially seen as a logical place for Smith was the Los Angeles Lakers. Seeing how he and LeBron James were former teammates, a reunion would have made sense. But according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, league sources claim that the Lakers are an unlikely destination for the Smith. No actual reason was given but it could have something to do with some controversies and that celebrated blackout the 33-year-old had during game one of the 2018 NBA Finals where Smith forgot to score.

Other teams that are believed to be interested in Smith include the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors. The Bucks may have beaten everyone on Smith although he remains pretty much available unless he officially signs in Milwaukee or any other team he is scheduled to meet moving forward.