Are the Bucks Exploring a Trade With The Sacramento Kings?

Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee reported that representatives from the New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Milwaukee Bucks reserved seats for Sacramento’s match-up against the Cleveland Cavaliers last night. Although this may not amount to anything, it indicates Milwaukee’s interest in a potential trade with the Kings.

The New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks have seats reserved for pro personnel scouts at tonight's Kings-Cavaliers game. That's more than usual. Maybe it's nothing … or maybe business is picking up with a month to go before the trade deadline.

— Jason Anderson (@JandersonSacBee) January 11, 2022

Like much of the NBA, the Bucks are having difficulty maintaining a full roster. Between injuries and the health and safety protocols, players are constantly in and out of the line-up. A trade with the Kings could potential help the Bucks, but which players would they target?

Buddy Hield

Buddy Hield is the most likely target. Hield is a sweet shooting perimeter threat. With his super quick release, ability to shoot over defenders, and excellent ball handling, Hield is an easy fit for Mike Budenholzer’s offense. Although he shows effort and hustle on defense, Hield is far from a defensive stalwart. He’s not a major one-on-one or steals threat and he’s not great at using his wingspan to his advantage.

Despite that, Hield can provide instant offense off the bench at both the shooting guard and small forward positions. Ultimately, due to Milwaukee’s depth at the guard positions, he would likely serve as a back-up for Khris Middleton.

De’Aaron Fox

A more unlikely trade target for the Bucks is De’Aaron Fox. Fox is a true point guard with an excellent ability to size up and break down defenses. He has excellent ball handling skills and is proficient at penetrating and creating high percentage shots. De’Aaron Fox also plays strong defense and has a nose for steals. Despite this, he has problems beyond the 3-point arc that might him a difficult fit for Budenholzer’s offense.

Ultimately, the biggest concern with Fox is Milwaukee’s significant surplus of guards. Fox would likely be an expensive trade (likely involving at least one guard), and I question his overall value in a crowded field.

Overall Analysis

Although Hield and Fox could both provide upsides for Milwaukee, I question the value in trading for either. Neither player offers the Bucks skillsets they don’t already have. Moreover, the big question is, “What would the Bucks be willing to give up to get them?” Making the salaries work would be difficult and it would almost certainly involve sending a lot of players to Sacramento in return.

Ultimately, it’s good to see Milwaukee’s scouts active and looking for viable trades, but I remain skeptical they’ll find one that works with Sacramento.

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