The Milwaukee Bucks took a significant step towards improving their roster ahead of the NBA trade deadline on Thursday. In a somewhat unexpected move, the Bucks traded backup point guard Cam Payne and a second round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers for defensive guard Patrick Beverley. Milwaukee’s perimeter defense has been, in a word, terrible all season long. The addition of Beverley will be a massive boost in that area.
In addition to the Beverley trade, Milwaukee also traded backup center Robin Lopez, along with cash, to the Sacramento Kings. Lopez was waived by the Kings immediately following the trade. This move opens up a spot on their 15-man roster, which makes signing another player on the buyout market possible.
Following the Bucks’ struggles on their recent West Coast road trip, which has coincided with Doc Rivers taking over as head coach, Milwaukee’s being active at the deadline did not come as a surprise. Adding a defender of Beverley;s caliber was certainly a top priority, and general manager Jon Horst was able to get that deal done.
However, many Bucks fans were less than thrilled with Horst’s moves at the trade deadline. Not that they are upset about having Beverley. Oh no, they are more upset about two specific players that were not traded and remain on the team.
Milwaukee Bucks Fans Are Upset Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton Were Not Traded
In the days leading up to the NBA trade deadline, many fans assumed (or, perhaps, wished) that Bobby Portis and/or Pat Connaughton would be moved. Portis is averaging 12.6 points and 6.9 rebounds this season after posting 14.1 points and 9.6 rebounds last season. Connaughton is averaging 5.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game this season compared to 7.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season.
Both players have improved shooting numbers this year compared to last year.
Still, both players have performed poorly on defense, which is why many fans wanted them gone. When they were not moved at the NBA trade deadline, those fans took to social media to voice their frustrations:
Bobby Portis now that you’re still on the team it’s hard to keep up this hate gimmick
For the love of god please improve your interior defense and don’t try to play like a #1 offensive option on a tanking team
— GiannisMuse 🦌 (@GiannisMuse) February 8, 2024
Bobby portis still on my team💔 pic.twitter.com/nEyPqD86zl
— rickyfy⌚️ (@damefor3) February 8, 2024
Came back to Bobby portis not getting traded💔✌🏾 https://t.co/vSoGTpRkTt pic.twitter.com/789KQMM0at
— rickyfy⌚️ (@damefor3) February 8, 2024
Bobby Portis on my team for another 40 games pic.twitter.com/t68rzxRftc
— Bango Burner 🦌 (@BangoBurner_) February 8, 2024
Pat connaughton will be guarding Tatum for 30 minutes in April
pic.twitter.com/ozVBNo2tu1— ³⁴ (@GiannisWorld) February 8, 2024
I NEED Pat Connaughton off my team for the love of god
— FreakTime 🦌⌚️ (@RunNDunkMan) February 8, 2024
Bobby Portis and pat Connaughton have ruined my love for the game pic.twitter.com/cRyhdhxQcC
— ⌚️Bajon🦌 (@HaitanOne) February 8, 2024
Now that the trade deadline has passed, the Bucks will sink or swim with both Portis and Connaughton off their bench. The onus will be on Doc Rivers to put each player in a position to be successful.
Hopefully it works out.
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