AUGUST 2nd, 4:44pm: The signing is official, the team announced. “Miles is an athletic big man that gives us added depth on the frontline,” GM John Hammond said. “He does a really good job as a finisher around the basket and also as a rim protector on the defensive end. We’re very happy to have him back with the Bucks.”
JULY 18th, 11:11am: The Bucks have agreed to terms with restricted free agent Miles Plumlee on a four-year deal that will pay him $50MM+, according to multiple reports. Charles F. Gardner of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, who first broke word of the agreement, tweets that it’s worth $50MM, while ESPN’s Marc Stein says (via Twitter) it’s worth $52MM. Michael Scotto of The Associated Press adds (via Twitter) that there are no options, and all four years are guaranteed.
Plumlee, who turns 28 in September, has played for three teams since entering the NBA in 2012. After playing for Indiana in his rookie season, Plumlee was sent to Phoenix as part of a trade package for Luis Scola. He was later moved to the Bucks in the three-way trade at the 2015 deadline that saw Brandon Knight land in Phoenix and Michael Carter-Williams join Plumlee in Milwaukee.
After averaging nearly 20 minutes per game in Phoenix, Plumlee saw his role reduced in Milwaukee. In his first full season with the Bucks this past year, he played 14.3 minutes per contest, averaging 5.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 0.8 BPG. Those numbers are modest, but the Bucks apparently liked what they saw enough to make him a restricted free agent, then to commit big money to him on a four-year deal.
[RELATED: Milwaukee Bucks depth chart at RosterResource.com]
With Plumlee locked up, the Bucks are now on the hook for more than $40MM combined to him, John Henson, and Greg Monroe for the 2016/17 season. Even with a Giannis Antetokounmpo extension potentially coming this fall, or next summer, the Bucks have the financial flexibility to afford all three deals — Henson’s salary declines annually, and Greg Monroe can opt out of his contract in 2017.
Still, we’ve heard throughout the summer that the Bucks have been exploring the trade market in an attempt to find a viable deal for Monroe. With Henson and Plumlee now locked up through the 2019/20 season, it seems even more clear that Monroe isn’t a part of the team’s long-term plans.
As our Free Agent Tracker shows, Plumlee is the 26th free agent this summer to land a new contract with a total value of at least $50MM.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
50 mill???!!! For a guy who played 14 minutes?
Rather have him on this contract or Mozgov on 4YR/64 million???
Plumlee no doubt
yet zaza gets 2.9
I love plumlee. Nonbucks fans didn’t see how great he was for us. Monroe dominated minutes early in the season, but once he became our starter he was double didget scoring many nights, playing great defense, rebounding and we threw love to him over and over again. He fits great with Giannis and Parker. Monroe is a good guy and at times great offensively but he really f’d us on the defensive end and caused us to regress
And Zaza signed for 2.9 cause he’s hungry for a ring. He had a much bigger offer he turned down. Also agree mozgov wasn’t worth it
My question is who were they bidding against?
Not “bidding against” anyone. Plumlee wouldn’t have taken the QO and if the Bucks move Monroe and let Plumlee/Henson (both better defensively) split time at C I don’t see why Plumlee can’t average 10-8 in 25 mins. Plus in year 3-4 of his deal what will 10 and 8 be worth with this cap?4years 75mill?
Flawed logic.
I see zero demand for his services coupled with an over supply of big men whilst the longer term trend toward bigs who can shoot (Plumlee cannot shoot) plus the fact they’ve invested $44m in another backup in Henson…this makes absolutely no sense.
#Dumb
#PayingForChemistry
Plumlee is actually a decent player but his numbers don’t pop out for those who don’t really know him/seen him play. He’s not going to win you any games single-handedly but he’s a solid complimentary piece at center as he doesn’t need the ball and can just be a steady rebounder and rim protector (similar to Robin Lopez).
Decent doesn’t equal $52m.
In.
Same.
Mozgovian Dumb
Horrible signing!
Love the signing now finish it off and trade Monroe already!