Milwaukee Bucks Sign Former Detroit Pistons Wing Stanley Umude in Free Agency
The Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in an intriguing situation this offseason. They boast two superstars, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, ensuring they remain a competitive team during the regular season. Additionally, having Khris Middleton as the third option is a significant advantage.
However, the Bucks also face several challenges. Their high payroll puts them in the second apron of the NBA luxury tax, restricting them to signing only two-way players and veterans willing to accept the league minimum. With an aging roster, there is also a pressing need to develop young talent for future contributions. This necessity influenced their choices of AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Milwaukee Bucks Sign Stanley Umude to a Two-Way Contract
The Bucks’ latest free agency move addresses this need for young talent. According to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Milwaukee signed former Detroit Pistons wing Stanley Umude to a two-way contract. Will Whitson of The Walk Pod initially reported the deal.
Umude, like fan-favorite Bobby Portis, played some college basketball at Arkansas, where he averaged 11.9 points and 4.6 rebounds, shooting 37.1% from three. Before transferring to Arkansas, he spent four years at South Dakota, where he had an impressive 2020-21 season, averaging 21.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, with a 35% shooting from three.
Over the past two seasons, Umude appeared in just 25 games for the Pistons, mostly playing in the G League. In those games, he averaged 5.2 points and 2.0 rebounds per game, with an impressive 44.4% shooting from three. With the Motor City Cruise, the Pistons’ G League team, he averaged 16.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last year.
What Is Next for the Milwaukee Bucks?
Due to financial constraints, the Bucks can only sign free agents willing to accept the veteran minimum. While they may find some of these players, their best option to acquire necessary talent is through trades.
Brook Lopez has drawn trade interest from multiple teams, including the San Antonio Spurs. Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton are also mentioned as potential trade assets.
