Veteran Wesley Matthews back with Bucks

Wesley Matthews #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after making a three-point basket against the Orlando Magic in the first half during Game One in the first round of the NBA playoffs at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 18, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images/AFP

Veteran swingman Wesley Matthews officially is back with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Matthews signed with the Bucks on Friday, marking his second stint with the team. He averaged 7.4 points in 67 starts for the club during the 2019-20 season.

“Wesley is a proven veteran whose shooting, defense and experience will help us,” said Milwaukee general manager Jon Horst. “He is familiar with (coach Mike Budenholzer’s) system and our team. We’re excited to have him back with us.”

The 35-year-old Matthews will provide depth for a Milwaukee backcourt led by Jrue Holiday. Matthews spent last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging a career-low 4.8 points in 58 games (10 starts).

Matthews has career averages of 12.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 849 games (739 starts) over 12 NBA seasons with seven teams. He ranks 24th all-time with 1,729 3-point baskets.

Matthews’ high scoring average was 16.4 during the 2013-14 season for the Portland Trail Blazers. He also averaged 15.9 points in two other campaigns for Portland.

To create a roster spot for Matthews, Milwaukee waived Georgios Kalaitzakis, the 60th overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft. The rookie guard appeared in nine games for the Bucks this season, averaging 1.8 points per game.

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