The Milwaukee Bucks are arguably the most disappointing team in the NBA this season. It’s not just about their awful 9-42 record and it’s not just about their inability to win games. It’s because the team is tanking when things weren’t supposed to be that way. The Bucks made some moves during the summer which were supposed to help them move forward in 2013-2014 and even chase a playoff spot. Nonetheless, the team is in a tough position at the moment and they will have to try and shake things up as we approach the trade deadline.
First of all, almost every player of the team’s roster could be on the table if the Bucks find a good offer. And we say almost every player, because Milwaukee shouldn’t not even consider trading its rookie forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has shown signs of stardom up to now. Giannis could emerge as a franchise player for Milwaukee in the next couple of seasons and as the team rebuilds. Some people around the league even compare him to Kevin Durant, mainly due to the fact that his body frame and his playing style look similar to KD’s.
Trade Talks – What Should The Milwaukee Bucks Do As We Approach The Trade Deadline?
On the other hand, the Bucks could try act rationally and try to find a deal for the players that will become unrestricted free agents this summer. Caron Butler, who was acquired this summer through a trade could be on the move. Luke Ridnour and Ekpe Udoh could also get traded by the deadline, if the Bucks find a team that is interested in adding some depth for the playoffs.
Of course, there are some rumors around potential trades the Bucks could agree on as of lately. Larry Sanders is a player who has drawn much interest, according to lots of reports. Milwaukee could trade him away, especially now that John Henson is performing really well this season. Nonetheless, the Bucks shouldn’t agree on a deal that won’t give them good assets for the future.
It’s clear that Milwaukee will aim towards a radical rebuild around Brandon Knight, Giannis and most probably Henson. So, the Bucks will have to add young players or draft picks so that their plans finally become reality. Ersan Ilyasova could also be traded. The 26-year old forward has always been a reliable role player and although he is not putting up huge numbers this season, he could have some value.
The Bucks’ main focus at the moment should be the next season, the near future. Milwaukee is heading all the way towards the last seed in the East and the worst record in the league, so they will have lots of chances to add a potential superstar through the star-loaded 2014 draft. So, we shouldn’t expect a big move by the trade deadline by the team. If they find a good deal for Sanders, Ilyasova or one of their expiring contracts, then there is no reason why the Bucks shouldn’t shake things up.
Thank you for reading. Ron Leyba is the lead editor of FantasyBasketballMoneyLeagues.com, and a LastWordOnSports NBA Analyst. For more of his articles, follow his updates at Google+ or follow him on twitter @ronniedare. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter –@LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
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