Milwaukee Bucks Linked to Free Agent 2-Guard Sidelined Nearly All Last Season

The past two seasons combined, Melton has logged just 44 games. 2022-23 in Philadelphia was his last full season, when he averaged 10.1 points on 42.5% shooting overall and 39% on threes. He also averaged 1.6 steals, 4.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Melton posted similar volume stats across his 2023-24 half-season, but his efficiency dipped (38.6 FG%).

A strong perimeter defender, Melton can provide supplementary scoring but isn’t a great facilitator. His natural position is shooting guard; he isn’t an ideal fit for Milwaukee’s needs at the point, even as a backup. Porter is already not a typical floor general, so acquiring a true point guard – or at least something closer to that than Melton – would provide personnel security.

At 27, Melton is still fairly young, but how he will bounce back from injury is an unknown. For both himself and interested teams, signing him to a short-term deal makes the most sense: the team reduces its risk while the player leaves the door open for a bigger payday a year or two down the road if he produces. In addition to the Bucks, Melton has also been linked to the Lakers, Clippers and Suns, per Forbes’ NBA reporter Evan Sidery.

Rollins has a somewhat similar profile – non-facilitator, good defense, smooth long-range stroke – but is only 23 and primed for growth. Of the two, securing Rollins on a longer-term contract is clearly the better play for the Bucks, a high-value investment on a young player who has already shown he can contribute. With guys like Rollins and Malcolm Brogdon still on the table, Melton can be an option, but he shouldn’t be Milwaukee’s first choice.