As the NBA’s February 10th trade deadline approaches, the Milwaukee Bucks are looking for possible upgrades to their roster. Mo Bamba and Justin Holiday are the two players that have been mentioned most often. However, there are three others that the Bucks should be monitoring. All these men can bring something to the team and help them on their road to the playoffs.
Milwaukee most recently waived center DeMarcus Cousins to reportedly keep an open roster spot for the deadline. But the Bucks later used that spot to sign veteran wing Langston Galloway. I fully believe the Bucks will still look to make a move as the deadline approaches. Here are three great options.
#1: Marvin Bagley and Buddy Hield
There have been multiple reports that the Kings are shopping Bagley and Hield to find teams to trade them to. There’s also been news that they could trade them as a “package” if the right deal is presented. Bagley is probably the less likely option for the Bucks due to his growing injury history. However, a healthy Bagley would bring more size to the Bucks’ roster in the absence of Brook Lopez. This would allow them to play Giannis with different combinations of Bagley, Lopez, and Bobby Portis. Bagley is averaging 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game so far and could be a solid addition for the Bucks.
Meanwhile, Buddy Hield is the absolute best option if the Bucks want to get a deal done with the Kings. Hield would immediately improve the Bucks roster, bringing another 40% three-point shooter onto this already shooter-filled roster. He is averaging 15.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and two assists per game this season. Hield is arguably one of league’s best from behind the arc. Either way the Bucks choose to go, both players would provide a great upgrade. This trade would give the Bucks a better chance to come out of the East.
#2: Caris LeVert
The Indiana Pacers are a familiar trade partner for the Bucks, with Milwaukee sending Malcolm Brogdon to them back in 2019. The Pacers have reportedly been interested in trading three of their starters: Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis, and Caris LeVert. LeVert is a very good scorer and has lots of talent, with some still waiting to be unlocked.
This season, LeVert is averaging 18.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. The Bucks do need some guard help; he would be an immediate upgrade over Donte DiVincenzo and George Hill. However, LeVert has struggled from deep this season, as he is only shooting 32% from behind the three-point line. He would be an upgrade, but the Bucks would probably have to lose some three-point shooting in the process. LeVert would be another player whom the Bucks could add who could score when needed. Also, he can create his own shot… and would improve the Bucks drastically.
#3: Goran Dragic
Milwaukee could use better guard play opposite of Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen, and Dragic would be the man for the job. In the 2020 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Bucks, Dragic gave them fits. His ability to drive to the paint and shoot threes at a consistent basis are what the Bucks are looking for. However, Dragic hasn’t played in all but five games for the Raptors this season due to “personal reasons.”
Last season with the Miami Heat, Dragic averaged 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game while also shooting 38% from deep. Dragic would be an upgrade for the Bucks due to his scoring ability and his experience. He also brings some of that “dog mentality” that PJ Tucker added to the Bucks last year, which ultimately helped Milwaukee win a title.
Who Will It Be?
I do believe the Bucks will make a deal by February 10th to improve their roster for a looming deep playoff run. Who will it be? We have no clue. However, what we do know is that General Manager Jon Horst hasn’t missed on his opportunities to added to this roster, and I’m guessing he’d like to bring in another piece or two. Whoever it is, I’m sure they will become a valuable addition for the Bucks and will help them on their journey to repeat as NBA Champions.
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