There’s no doubt the Milwaukee Bucks need guys who can space the floor on one end and defend well on the other. In this regard, the front office may do well by targeting Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe during the offseason
Joe, a 2020 second-round draft pick of the Philadelphia 76ers, found his footing with the Oklahoma City Thunder after being waived by the Joel Embiid-team. In the 2023-24 season, Joe emerged as a valuable contributor off the Thunder’s bench, showcasing his sharpshooting prowess and versatility.
Entrusted with the role of the team’s go-to bench scorer, Joe did not disappoint. He knocked down 41% of his three-point attempts, ranking in the 93rd percentile as a spot-up scorer and the 92nd percentile when coming off screens. Joe’s catch-and-shoot proficiency was equally impressive, as he converted 44% of his attempts from deep.
Moreover, the Thunder guard demonstrated growth in his overall offensive game, proving capable of getting to the rim and finishing at a high rate of 72%. Defensively, Joe maximized his 6’4″ frame, becoming a tenacious on-ball defender and a pest for opposing offenses.
With his offensive development and defensive intensity, Joe established himself as a valuable asset for the Thunder, earning meaningful minutes and even starting the final two games of the season. The former second-round pick has shown the potential to carve out a long-term role in the NBA as a sharpshooting, two-way contributor.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Isaiah Joe Named As Potential Trade Target For Milwaukee Bucks
There have been times when the Bucks’ bench hasn’t really lived up to expectation. Milwaukee’s front office can remedy that by making a move for Joe, as detailed in an article by Tyler Watts for Behind The Buck Pass.
“Joe becomes an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025, and Oklahoma City may try to trade him immediately to get value in return.
There will be no shortage of interest in a 6’4 wing capable of shooting 40 percent from 3-point range. The Bucks need floor spacers around their star, and Joe kept making shots throughout the Thunder’s playoff run. He would play a larger role in Milwaukee and make a significant impact if given the chance.
The Bucks should be searching for similar options on the trade market, and the Thunder have multiple players who would help Milwaukee right now,” Watts wrote.
Towards the end of the season, the Bucks under head coach Doc Rivers finished with 49-33 record. Moreover, they ranked 11th in three-point accuracy among 30 teams. Having Joe join the duo Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard would mean a lot for the team’s performance.
It remains to be seen whether the Bucks’ front office will pursue Joe or the Thunder will keep him for a long-term contract. In any case, the guard offers a lot of potential if Milwaukee does make a move for him.
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