The Milwaukee Bucks did not acquire Bradley Beal, though some reports state that they had tried to enter the trade talks. In any case, they may have dodged a bullet as Beal has missed 74 games over the last two seasons. Instead, they will likely look elsewhere to add players to compliment their established core.
That core, of course, consists of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton (who is expected to remain with the team). Surrounding that group with quality shooters and defenders has been a challenge over the course of the past two seasons. Perhaps that is why Bleacher Report’s Francisco Rosa named Gary Harris as a potential trade target for the Bucks.
Should the Milwaukee Bucks Try to Trade for Gary Harris
Last season, Gary Harris of the Orlando Magic played in just 48 games due to a torn meniscus. During the time that he was healthy, however, he was one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA. Harris averaged 8.3 points while shooting 43.1% from three.
Of the Bucks potentially acquiring Harris, Rosa wrote:
“Although it’s been reported that the Bucks want to bring back both Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez next season, they could still find enough flexibility to bring in some high-quality role players, like Harris.
“Entering the final season of his contract with the Magic, that is non-guaranteed as well, Harris fits the three-and-D mold that can be exactly what the Bucks need to get back to their best after having to implement Grayson Allen into the starting lineup in the postseason.
“Harris, 28, once again proved that he was one of the elite shooters in the NBA, knocking down 43.1 percent of his shots from three-point range, a career-high after a rough few seasons. He’s also still one of the stronger perimeter defenders in the league.
“It shouldn’t be too hard to land a deal given Harris’ contract and how his minutes dwindled a bit on a young, talented Magic team.
“Putting good shooters and defenders around Antetokounmpo will always be a formula for success.
The contract that Rosa mentions is Harris’ two-year $26 million deal that he signed with the Magic prior to last season. That means that he is due $13 million this season. As of right now, that is non-guaranteed money, but becomes guaranteed after June 30.
In order to acquire Harris, the Bucks would have to part with one of Bobby Portis, Grayson Allen, or Pat Connaughton. They have no draft picks to trade this year, meaning any deal will involve a player.
Trading Portis would create a bigger lack of depth in the front court than there already is. It is more likely that if a trade like this happens, for a guard, it will be Allen who gets moved.
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