The Milwaukee Bucks were destroyed by the New York Knicks 140-106 on Sunday. No one on the team was able to get into a true groove, and they couldn’t stop the Knicks from scoring.
Milwaukee sits at the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, but they can easily slip due to how close their record is with other teams.
Coming into the 2024-25 season, they were considered championship contenders. As of right now, they certainly look like championship pretenders.
Why They Need A Bradley Beal
The Bucks are in desperate need of a third scorer next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Giannis is averaging 31.4 points per game while Lillard is averaging 24.8 points per game.
Outside of the two future hall of famers, Milwaukee doesn’t really have any consistent high scoring threats. Asking guys like Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez to get 20 points per game is simply unfair.
Bradley Beal’s time in Phoenix is clearly coming to an end, as they are the tenth seed in the Western Conference. He was benched two weeks ago and has not lived up to the expectations of success.
The fit next to Devin Booker never quite made sense, and it is showing more than ever before. Beal being next to a true point guard in Damian Lillard is a perfect fit for a hungry Milwaukee Bucks team. His scoring ability will be needed in the struggling offense.
The Khris Middleton Situation
The Bucks have started Andre Jackson Jr. at the shooting guard position, and it has thrown the lineup out of balance.
Khris Middleton was moved to the bench last week, and it hasn’t helped too much. This move sparked trade speculation around the league, and it needs to happen.
Middleton’s production has significantly dropped off over the last few seasons, a big reason for this has been the injury plague. He is averaging his lowest points per game since 2013-14, and Milwaukee is feeling this negative impact.
The Trade Scenario
Jimmy Butler has been the biggest name on the trade block, and a three team trade between the Suns, Heat and Bucks would be a perfect trade for every team.
Milwaukee would receive Bradley Beal, a huge scoring threat and a perfect fit alongside Damian Lillard & Giannis Antetokounmpo. They could receive draft compensation as well.
Miami would receive Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, AJ Johnson and some draft picks. This would give the Heat some veterans and a young talent.
Phoenix would receive Jimmy Butler, a proven winner and someone who is a perfect fit alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
This potential blockbuster trade would shake up the league. The Bucks could become a contender again instantly by forming a big three of Antetokounmpo, Lillard and Beal.
In the competitive Eastern Conference, time is ticking for Milwaukee to make a move, and they need to make it now.
