The Bucks signed Greg Monroe to a max contract. They gave John Henson a four-year, $44 million extension.
And Miles Plumlee might have been their most effective center.
Plumlee, a barely discussed part of the Brandon Knight-Michael Carter-Williams trade, played little in Milwaukee and was shopped last season. Then he moved into the rotation, fit well and entered restricted free agency positioned to earn some money.
Apparently, a lot of money.
Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
League source says Bucks and Miles Plumlee have agreed on four-year, $50 million deal.
— cfgardner (@cf_gardner) July 18, 2016
This is a far-bigger deal than expect for Plumlee, who turns 28 before the season. If it’s fully guaranteed, Milwaukee will be paying him a sizable amount as he exits his prime -- concerning given Plumlee’s reliance on his athleticism. Plus, the Bucks had leverage with Plumlee restricted.
Still, his mobility and ability to protect the rim brought together Jason Kidd’s aggressive defense in a way the more-talented Monroe can’t. Plumlee re-signing for this salary will only increase chatter about a Monroe trade.
Miles also makes it official that, with Mason Plumlee (Trail Blazers) and Marshall Plumlee (Knicks), three Plumlee brothers are in the NBA.
