© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Veteran shooter Wesley Matthews moves from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Atlanta Hawks
Free agent forward Wesley Matthews will no longer be donning the Milwaukee Bucks jersey next season.
Per a report by Adrian Wojnarowski, the 14-year veteran has agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks after playing two seasons with the Bucks.
The 36-year-old Matthews, a lockdown defender, and reliable outside shooter, will be playing for his eighth team in the league since joining the Association as an undrafted player in 2009.
Bouncing around the league
The 6-foot-4 NBA journeyman started his career with the Utah Jazz before moving to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played for five seasons.
Matthews also had stops with the Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Honored by Marquette University as this year’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Matthews played 52 games for the Bucks in the past regular season.
The Madison, Wisconsin native ended the season with averages of 3.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.3 blocks in 15.8 minutes a game.
Keeping the core intact
Matthews was one of Milwaukee’s seven free agents this year. While the Bucks failed to keep Matthews, they were able to re-sign Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, keeping the team’s core built around two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
One of Milwaukee’s key off-season acquisitions is Malik Beasley, who can help the Bucks space the floor with his deadly outside shooting ability.
