The Milwaukee Bucks are currently one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, but they can make some trades before the February 8th deadline to fix some issues. Milwaukee has gone through an interesting season so far with the addition of superstar Damian Lillard and the loss of Jrue Holiday in the off-season, along with changing head coaches mid-season.
Although they have some great offense, their defense has suffered dramatically due to the loss of Holiday. Their move to get Lillard was a statement by the Milwaukee Bucks that said, “We’re all in to get another chip this decade.” Who are some players that the Bucks could aim to get before the deadline?
1. Trade for Miles Bridges
The Charlotte Hornets started to make some trades with the Rozier and Lowry trade. They may make more trades with Gordon Hayward on the trade block, but they could also consider trading Miles Bridges. Miles Bridges didn’t play last season due to legal issues. Since he returned this season, he has put up some solid numbers. He averages 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists with 1 steal in 37 minutes. He does become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
2. The Milwaukee Bucks Should Trade for Matisse Thybulle
One of the recurring issues that the Bucks had this season is their defense. Adrian Griffin was fired partially because of how the team went from being one of the best defensive teams to being 19th overall in defense. The Bucks have a great interior defense with Giannis and Brook Lopez. However, they lack a wing or guard with the speed to help with perimeter and transitional defense.
This is where Matisse Thybulle can help Milwaukee. Although he struggles on offense, Milwaukee does not need any more offense. The two-time All-Defensive player can be the solution to stopping opponents from getting inside the paint and scoring from the outside. Maybe the Bucks can trade their two second-round draft picks, Cameron Payne and Pat Connaughton, for him.
3. Royce O’Neale
The Brooklyn Nets have had Royce O’Neale on the trade block since the offseason. Brooklyn is currently loaded with wings and may be seeking a big man or a guard to help even out the size of the team. Royce’s minutes and production have gone down this season, so it may be the best time to go to greener pastures. Royce went to the playoffs for six straight years in his career. That means he could help the Bucks become even more of a contender.
4. Alec Burks
Detroit is having a historically bad season so far. They may be able to pull off some moves before the trade deadline to dig themselves out of the hole they’re in so far. Alec Burks has an expiring contract, and the Bucks may be interested in the wing. Burks has shot over forty percent from the 3 ball for four straight years. Although he’s not a lockdown defender, he can be reliable in guarding multiple positions due to his height and speed. Plus, he could help Bobby Portis be another option off the bench.
5. They add More Depth With 2 Players
The Bucks have a strong starting five but lack greater depth compared to their 2021 championship team. Aside from Bobby Portis and a returning Jae Crowder, who else can Doc Rivers trust for the second and third rotations? Maybe the Bucks and Jevon Carter can have a reunion. Albeit he struggled to stay in the playoff rotation before going to Chicago, he could be an asset in the regular season alongside Torrey Craig. The Bucks are more likely to search for bigger stars, but having that extra depth would not hurt.
