MILWAUKEE BUCKS

Christian Wood makes roster; Bucks acquire second-round pick in trade

Matt Velazquez
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Christian Wood claimed the final roster spot on the Bucks thanks to a strong showing this summer and during the exhibition season.

The Milwaukee Bucks set their 15-man, regular-season roster Monday, with forward Christian Wood claiming the team's final spot following strong performances in summer league and preseason play.

Wood outlasted Shabazz Muhammad, Tyler Zeller and Tim Frazier, who was waived Monday afternoon. During the preseason, Wood, a 6-foot-10 forward, averaged 13.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in 19.3 minutes while shooting 66.7% (20 for 30), including 3 for 8 (37.5%) from three-point range.

Wood will remain on the contract he signed when he joined the Bucks for training camp -- a $1.5 million minimum deal that contains a $100,000 guarantee. That contract also contains a non-guaranteed second year at the league minimum.

“He’s pretty skilled," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. "To be his size and be able to do all the things he can do, I think there’s potential for him to be one of those G League guys who can take that next step and find a way to stick and have a role and contribute to winning.”

Shortly before the league's 4 p.m. deadline for teams to set their active rosters, the Bucks made a move to net themselves a future second-round draft pick. Milwaukee acquired Jodie Meeks, a future second-round pick and cash considerations from the Washington Wizards. For their end of the exchange, the Bucks sent a heavily-protected future second-round pick to the Wizards.

The Bucks are not expected to keep Meeks, but they do not need to do anything immediately. He was suspended 25 games last season for violating NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug program and still must serve 19 games of that suspension. As such, he will begin the season on the Suspended List and does not count toward their active roster.

It's a win-win for both teams. Milwaukee's salary cap doesn't take a hit because the Bucks can use their $3.38 million trade exception from last year's Greg Monroe-Eric Bledsoe deal to cover nearly all of the $3.45 million Meeks is owed. That doesn't take into account the money Washington sent over as part of the trade.

The trade exception was due to expire Nov. 7, meaning the Bucks had a limited amount of time to take advantage of it.

The deal also alleviates some financial issues for Washington, which is over the luxury tax. By moving Meeks, the Wizards saved over $10 million in salary and tax payments.