In last year’s offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks landed sharpshooter Malik Beasley. Both Malik and the Bucks agreed on a one-year, veteran’s minimum contract worth $2.7 million, and this signing is widely regarded as a massive steal for the franchise considering the guard’s reputation as one of the best shooters in the league.
Stability and brotherhood
Although he had plenty of significant offers from the market while taking a massive pay cut from the $15.5 million salary he earned throughout the previous season, Malik identified Milwaukee as his desired free-agency destination upon witnessing security, togetherness, and significant veteran presence within the organization.
“I've seen it at all, man. I played with LeBron in LA, played with [Nikola Jokic] and Jamal [Murray] in Denver. I've been through new coaches and old coaches. I've seen it all. What I saw here was stability and a family type of vibe, and I wanted that from my own family, I wanted that from myself to become a better player,” he said on the Thanalysis Show.
“You got a lot of vets on the team. Giannis and Khris Middleton, who's my locker buddy. So I wanted more veteran presence in my life. For the most part, I've usually been the veteran on the teams I've been on or that middle guy. I just wanted to sit back, work on my game, and live in Milwaukee, which is chill and ain't nothing to do out here. So that was perfect for me,” Malik added.
Eyes on the prize
Other than these key personal factors, Malik has his goal set on winning an NBA championship. By joining a heavyweight Bucks group that features Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, he is confident in showcasing his caliber that can contribute to their success.
This season for the Bucks, Malik’s production has been vital in their title chase as he is averaging 11.4 points, 3.9 boards, and 1.4 assists while draining a career-best 44.2 percent mark from the three-point land.
“I'm trying to take it to another level, win a championship with that, and show the world that I am I'm here — Beasley is here. You know what I'm saying? I've had a lot of stuff going on, whatever that may be, but I'm here right now, and I'm locked in. I'm ready to go locked in,” Malik concluded.
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