The 2021-2022 NBA trade deadline will be here soon. It’s time we take a look at some potential trades they could make to bolster their chances at repeating as champs. The Bucks are finally healthy and we’ve gotten a pretty good idea of what every player brings to the table. What players on the market could make sense? Let’s take a look.
Bucks Land a new Big Man
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers Receive: Brook Lopez, Donte Divincenzo, Jordan Nwora, 2022 2nd Round Pick, 2025 2nd Round Pick (originally from Pacers)
This trade would be hard to swallow for many Bucks fans but it would absolutely improve their squad. Myles Turner is an absolute stud defensively and is underrated on offense. With the current team, Milwaukee wouldn’t need to rely on him offensively but having another rim protecting center is much needed. Giannis has done fine playing center on defense after Brook’s injury but it limits his opportunities on transition offense and takes a toll on his energy.
The Pacers are looking to rebuild and have made it known that Turner is available. Donte and Nwora bring young talent along with expiring contracts that might intrigue Indiana. Brook is still a viable center when healthy, and being put on a team like the Pacers would allow him to fully recover before playing next season. Would it be enough? That all depends on what other offers they get but I do believe this would be a deal Indiana would give some consideration to.
Lopez Brothers are Reunited
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Robin Lopez
Orlando Magic Receive: Semi Ojeleye, Rodney Hood
This trade definitely isn’t as flashy as the first one, but it would make sense nonetheless. If Milwaukee can’t land Turner, RoLo is a nice fallback option. Orlando is a team that is full of youth and Lopez just doesn’t seem to fit into their plans. Rodney Hood has shown a few nice flashes as of late but Semi has been nothing short of disappointing in his limited minutes thus far. A second round pick might be needed for this deal to get done as well. All players in this trade are on expiring contracts so the only benefit for Orlando would be to receive some draft compensation if neither Hood or Ojeleye are in their future plans.
Lopez would basically play the same role for Milwaukee as he did in 2019, but with no true center outside of Demarcus Cousins (unless Brook Lopez comes back) they could use another big man. Demarcus has looked solid so far but he has a long injury history. Relying on him to stay healthy all year could cost us if we don’t have a backup plan. RoLo is a decent rim protector and rebounder. His post offense is serviceable as well and could provide some needed breathers for Giannis/Bobby Portis/Cousins.
Bucks and Knicks Swap Youth
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Mitchell Robinson, Kevin Knox II
New York Knicks Receive: Donte DiVincenzo, Jordan Nwora
This is a trade that I believe makes sense for both sides. Donte brings great playmaking ability and solid defense when healthy and his energy could be something that sparks the Knicks to push for a playoff spot. With the depth Milwaukee currently possesses at the guard spot they don’t necessarily need him.
Additionally, Robinson has been a solid young center for New York. The 23 year old seven footer could bring some energy off the bench or even start if needed. Kevin Knox and Nwora on the other hand are in similar situations. Neither are getting much playing time and both have potential to be threats from deep. Both need some work but the tools are there. Sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery for a player to blossom.
Summary
It’s clear that Milwaukee could use another big man as an insurance policy while we await a potential return from Brook Lopez. It would allow Giannis to play the role he’s played most of his career on defense and open up transition opportunities on offense. Between Grayson Allen, Pat Connaughton and Donte DiVincenzo, the Bucks have a lot of depth at the guard spot. Donte seems to be the guy Milwaukee would be most likely to move on from of the three.
Horst doesn’t have enough wiggle room to attain any expensive player without trading one of the Bucks’ “Big Three”. So don’t expect some blockbuster move this year. But Horst does have a penchant for making smart underrated moves at the deadline. Look for him to scoop up a big one way or another.
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1 Comment
leave them where they are. Let’s wait and see how they look when all are healthy. They are getting there. Only Brook Lopez is not available. Demarcus Cousins is doing well. They should keep him and he’ll be Brook’s back-up.