The Milwaukee Bucks are going through an offseason of major changes. Mike Budenholzer was fired as head coach after another disappointing playoff series loss. Currently, the Bucks have narrowed their list of possible head coaches to Nick Nurse, Kenny Atkinson, and Adrian Griffin. In addition to a new coach, there are rumors that the team may be looking for a new star to pair alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In order to do this, they will have to part way with either Khris Middleton or Jrue Holiday. With Middleton rumored to likely be back, whether on his option or an extension, that leaves Holiday as the odd man out in trade rumors. One recent suggestion swaps the NBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist for another two-time All-Star.
Could the Milwaukee Bucks Trade Jrue Holiday for Zach LaVine?
In a recent article on Behind the Buck Pass, writer Jack Simone suggests that the Bucks trade Holiday and Grayson Allen to the Chicago Bulls for Zach LaVine:
“He’s not the playmaker Jrue Holiday is, so the Bucks would have to sign or trade for a new point guard, but LaVine has historically been one of the more efficient players in the NBA.
“His 3-point shooting dipped a bit last year, but alongside a player as great as Giannis Antetokounmpo, LaVine would be getting more open shots than he ever has.
“For the Chicago Bulls, this deal would be about finally landing a star point guard to pair with their team. Unfortunately, they would have to give up LaVine in the process.
“That could be a good thing, though. DeMar DeRozan could transition into the role of the primary scorer, with Holiday backing him up while acting as a primary playmaker.
“Plus, adding Grayson Allen to the mix would be great for Chicago, as they desperately need some extra shooting at the wing position.
“Chicago would also create the best defensive backcourt in the league with Holiday and Alex Caruso, the two guards from this year’s All-Defensive First Team.”
While the thought of pairing Zach LaVine with Giannis is enticing, one has to wonder if the Bucks would be willing to trade Holiday within their division. This is not as big of a deal as it is in the NFL, but it seems like this trade would benefit Chicago more than it would Milwaukee.
That being said, one has to give up something to get something, and if the Bucks want LaVine, Holiday is the only player that makes sense to give up. The question is whether the Bucks would be willing to give up such a major part of their locker room. While Giannis is the team’s undisputed leader, it has been Holiday who has won the NBA Teammate of the Year Award in three of the past four seasons.
Would the locker room be the same or as cohesive? Who knows? Then again, winning more (in the playoffs) may be worth it.
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1 Comment
This deal benefits Chicago more then Milwaukee? Are you nuts? Milwaukee would need to add Bobby Portis to make it a even trade. And we don’t want Grayson you cam keep him.