Last offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks expressed their interest in trading for Monte Morris who now plays for the Washington Wizards. It should now be time to revisit the idea of trading for Morris. He would help fill some holes offensively for the Bucks and he comes at a fairly cheap value. Perhaps involving a 3rd team in the trade would be the best way to give up little while getting Morris, a solid guard in return. The Bucks have a few different needs to address as the deadline approaches, most of that falls on the limited availability of Khris Middleton while some of it falls on the overall structure of the roster. A bigger and more mobile defender could help the Bucks, but a facilitating shooter like Morris would really help. Ideally, they are able to acquire both a shooter and a defender. Let’s get into a few reasons why Monte Morris’ services would go a long way for the Bucks the rest of the season.
The guard out of Iowa State is set to make about $19 million over the next 2 seasons before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. Morris spent his first 5 seasons in Denver before being traded to the Washington Wizards this past season. This season, Morris is averaging 9.9 points and 5.4 assists on 46% from the field and 38% from distance. His best season was last year in which he averaged 12.6 points and 4.4 assists on good percentages. He also performed well in the playoffs for Denver last season and had a 24-point game on 5-7 shooting from deep range in their only win of the series. While Morris doesn’t solve some of the defensive issues for Milwaukee, he would add some much-needed secondary playmaking. He is a guy who is always going to make the right play, and he has a knack for finding the open man. Morris fit well with Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic, and there is no reason why he wouldn’t be a good complementary player to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday. Often times this season, Milwaukee’s offense has become stagnant and there has been too much isolation and not enough involvement, Morris would be the perfect buffer to help sway the Bucks out of that sort of play. He makes the players around him better as a pass first guy. Another thing to be excited about regarding Morris is that he knows how to throw a good alley-oop, which obviously comes in handy playing with Giannis. A player like Monte Morris would be effective for Milwaukee either starting alongside Holiday and relieving playmaking duties or coming off the bench to give a spark.
The best way to acquire Monte Morris would be involving at least one other team in the trade. Based on salaries, the Bucks could send Grayson Allen to the Wizards for Monte Morris in almost a straight up deal, but there should be a way to keep Allen and acquire Morris. Thats where the third team comes into play. The Wizards will likely want a guard in return for Morris. The said third team in this trade could offer an experienced guard, and the Bucks could offer Jordan Nwora and some picks, with the possibility of sending George Hill as well. Jevon Carter would be another more enticing option for Milwaukee to offer. Milwaukee had their chance to acquire Morris this past offseason and hopefully they are able to revisit the idea and make a deal. Morris has not been made available by Washington, but as they sit at 10th in the eastern conference, a guy like Monte Morris is by no means untouchable.