Eight days away from the trade deadline, the Bucks strike early. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Wednesday evening that Milwaukee will acquire PJ Tucker, Rodions Kurucs, and Milwaukee’s 2022 1st round pick. The Bucks will send DJ Wilson and DJ Augustin to Houston in the move. Additionally, Torrey Craig will be dealt to Phoenix, with details to be announced shortly.
Sources: Houston is trading PJ Tucker, Rodions Kurucs and Bucks’ 2022 first-round pick back to Milwaukee for DJ Augustin, DJ Wilson and 2023 unprotected first-round pick. Houston also gets right to swap its 2021 second-round pick for Milwaukee's FRP pick unless it falls 1-9.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 17, 2021
What This Means:
This is a headline for a reason. The Bucks were rumored to be one of the several teams interested in Tucker’s service, so it makes sense that this got done. Adding Tucker, as well as Kurucs, gives Milwaukee more versatile options in the front court to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez. Tucker’s three point ability from the corner paired with the space created by Giannis on the interior is a dream scenario. Now, it is a reality.
Kurucs, standing at 6’9”, brings another option of a stretch forward off of the bench. In exchange for DJ Wilson, who became a non-factor as of late in his Milwaukee stint, this gives them more depth for the second unit.
More Moves Incoming?
Even though this move is notable, it leaves the Bucks without a backup point guard. A name that will naturally surface is Isaiah Thomas, who has not played in the NBA since February of 2020. However, with an appearance with team USA in the Fiba AmeriCup, he has shown signs of revitalization. Could the Bucks be in the running for his services? Time will tell.
3 years ago today @isaiahthomas battled with Kevin Durant and the Dubs. IT dropped 20 points with 5 made 3’s 🎯, dropped 7 dimes and picked up a steal and a board in the Oracle 🌉 pic.twitter.com/wSDOEyFflo
— IT4MVP (@IT4MVP_) March 14, 2021
Takeaway
Overall, this move is a win for the Bucks. It will be interesting to see who is brought in to backup Jrue Holiday, but this shows Milwaukee wants to win now. Expect this to be the first of many deadline moves across the league, but this is a great opening act.
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