Last month, waived Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard reunited with the Trail Blazers on a three-year deal in what could be the last stop of his career. A younger ex-Buck, forward MarJon Beauchamp, could follow him there, according to a recent report. After bouncing between three teams in 2024-25, perhaps he could carve out a reserve role on a youthful Blazers squad.
Ex-Milwaukee Bucks wing peddling his wares out west
Beauchamp, 24, was also the 24th pick of the 2022 draft after playing for the G League Ignite. He enjoyed decent backend playing time as a rookie, appearing in 52 games and averaging 5.1 points. He increased his efficiency in similar sophomore minutes, but fell from the rotation altogether last year.
Milwaukee Bucks, MarJon Beauchamp, Portland Trail Blazers
Oct 14, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard MarJon Beauchamp (3) dunks the ball in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
In October, the Bucks announced they would be declining his $4.8 million fourth-year rookie option for next season.
At the trade deadline, they then flipped him to the Clippers for Kevin Porter Jr.; Los Angeles waived him after three games, and he signed a two-way deal with Knicks. Obviously, the Bucks are happy with their decision. Porter played well post-trade, re-signed earlier this offseason, and projects to be the starting point guard.
Now a free agent, Beauchamp is looking for another shot in the NBA. Impressing on another two-way contract may well be his best path forward.
In Portland, he could find the freedom to showcase his skills. Still a season or two away from being seriously competitive, the Blazers can afford to try out young players as their core develops.
Milwaukee Bucks forward MarJon Beauchamp (3) and Dallas Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper (8)
Oct 17, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward MarJon Beauchamp (3) shoots as Dallas Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper (8) defends during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Maybe the Blazers believe they can turn Beauchamp into a usable rotation piece, a lesser version of their transformative work with fellow forward Toumani Camara, a former 52nd pick. Beauchamp doesn’t have anything near Camara’s floor or his ceiling, but on a two-way deal or non-guaranteed one-year salary, he would not be much of a gamble.
The Bucks ended up on the losing end of their draft night wager three years ago. While they may have reached a bit to get him, the 6-foot-7 wing had high marks for his athleticism and defense and scored well across the board. NBADraft.Net gave him an overall score of 91.
Milwaukee Bucks, MarJon Beauchamp, Portland Trail Blazers
Oct 8, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward MarJon Beauchamp (3) dribbles up the court against Chicago Bulls guard Questin Jackson (29) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Beauchamp didn’t pan out for the Bucks, but he still has enough raw talent to draw interest from teams looking to fill out the margins of their rosters. Athletic wings tend to get opportunities. A career 35.4% 3-point shooter, if Beauchamp can steady his longrange stroke and playmaking, he could end up sticking somewhere.
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