The Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns both made it to the NBA Finals last season. Both were eliminated in their conference semi-finals matchups this season, prompting a great deal of conjecture surrounding the teams’ makeups next season. Perhaps it is worse in Phoenix than in Milwaukee, as Phoenix won 64 games in the regular season and seemed primed to steamroll through the playoffs. In any case, now that both teams’ seasons are over, trade proposals and rumors are abounding. One article at NBA Analysis Network addressed two trade scenarios that would send former first overall pick Deandre Ayton to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Trade Proposal #1
Bucks Receive: Deandre Ayton
King Receive: Khris Middleton
Suns Receive: Harrison Barnes, Richaun Williams, 4th overall pick in 2022
In this trade, the Milwaukee Bucks would give up one of their key cornerstone players to add Deandre Ayton. Ayton averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds this past season, which would be an offensive improvement at the center position.
The problem with this deal, among others, is this: it is widely believed and accepted that if the Milwaukee Bucks had a healthy Khris Middleton against Boston, they would have won the series. Why would the Bucks trade away the one player they needed to get through Boston? It’s an intriguing thought, but if the Bucks are truly serious about contending again, they need to keep Middleton.
Trade Proposal #2
Bucks Receive: Deandre Ayton
Hawks Receive: Jrue Holiday
Suns Receive: Clint Capela and De’Andre Hunter
Again, this trade improves the Bucks’ offensively in some degree. However, as with the last trade, it really does not make much sense for many reasons.
First, the Bucks love Jrue Holiday and his defense. Yes, his shooting was incredibly poor in the playoffs, but he was not THE reason they lost. If anything, Milwaukee was asking him to do too much without Middleton on the court.
Second, Jrue Holiday is a versatile defender that can defend any player on the court at any time. Deandre Ayton is a fine center and a big name, but teams that are serious about winning do not trade away their core pieces.
Why Are Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday Always In These Trade Proposals?
There is no way that the Milwaukee Bucks are going to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo, so NBA analysts focus on the next two biggest contracts. Those belong to Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday. Both players’ salaries are quite substantial and would make most trades work in trade simulations.
The problem is this: the Bucks are not going to trade either of those players. There may be fans that want Milwaukee to trade one or both of them, but that simply will not happen.
This doesn’t even bring into consideration the fact that Deandre Ayton is due for a big pay day. Any money that would be “saved” by trading Middleton or Holiday would go right back into Ayton. While Ayton is, as mentioned, a fine player, I am not so sure Milwaukee wants to pay him that kind of money.
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1 Comment
THE reason they lost in the playoffs was the God damned officials blatantly letting the Celtics get away with fouls while calling them close on the Bucks – that plus Middleton being hurt. The bias of the officials was bad in the Bulls series too, but we overcame it. It got even worse against the Celtics. Hell No to these trades. Ayton is a nice player, but certainly not worth giving up Middleton and probably not worth giving up Holiday.