The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired veteran guard Austin Rivers from the New York Knicks at Thursday's NBA trade deadline and he still has not reported to the team.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Thunder waived Rivers on Sunday. The Milwaukee Bucks are leaders to sign the 28-year-old, Charania adds.
The Milwaukee Bucks are leaders to sign Austin Rivers upon clearing waivers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. There’s strong mutual interest between the sides. https://t.co/xnw7aherEe
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 28, 2021
Rivers signed a three-year, $10 million deal with the Knicks in November 2020. In 21 games with the franchise, he averaged 7.3 points, 2.2 rebounds and two assists per game while shooting 43% from the field and 36.4% from deep.
The Duke product doesn't necessarily fit with what the Thunder are trying to accomplish this season. Oklahoma City is committing to its younger players and if Rivers played, he'd be taking time away from Theo Maledon and Ty Jerome.
In Milwaukee, Rivers would serve as a nice depth piece behind Jrue Holiday and Donte DiVincenzo.
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