Philadelphia 76ers point guard Patrick Beverley is on the move. The 12-year veteran has been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Cam Payne and a 2027 second-round pick, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski. Beverley announced the move himself via his podcast’s X account.
BREAKING: @patbev21 to the Milwaukee Bucks
— Pat Bev Pod (@PatBevPod) February 8, 2024
NBA News: Patrick Beverley Traded to the Milwaukee Bucks
What Beverley Brings to the Bucks
The Bucks, who sit at 33-18 and 3rd in the East, receive a gritty guard with a winning mentality. Beverley averaged 6.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 47 games with Philly. In that span, he shot 43% from the field, 32% from three and 81% from the free-throw line. He brings reinforcements to a Bucks team that’s finding their way after letting go of Adrian Griffin and hiring—ironically enough—Doc Rivers, who coached Beverley on the Clippers and Sixers.
Beverley also brings eight years of postseason experience. In 2022 with the Timberwolves, he averaged 11 points and nearly 5 assists per game on .429/.346/.682 splits. He joins a Milwaukee squad looking to avenge their early playoff exit last year, and aiming for their third championship in franchise history. Backing up star facilitator Damian Lillard is a tall task, but Beverley’s track record proves he’s more than ready for the moment.
What Payne Brings to the 76ers
The Sixers are getting a solid scorer and facilitator in Payne, a 29-year-old who helped the Suns during their 2021 Finals run. He averaged 6.2 points and 2.3 assists while shooting 39% from distance. The Sixers, who have been remarkably active at the deadline, only add to their guard depth. Payne joins a supporting cast that surrounds reigning MVP Joel Embiid and first-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey, and brings two-way versatility to the fifth-seed in the East.
Payne has found success as a backup point guard for various contenders, with the aforementioned run with Phoenix elevating his status. But aside from his experience, Payne brings much-needed three-point shooting to the City of Brotherly Love. He’s shot 36% from deep for his career and nearly 40% this year. Philly ranks 19th in three-point percentage (36.4%), and their guards rank 22nd (36.1%). In a conference filled with strong shooters, Payne’s perimeter presence will be vital for the 76ers’ bench.
The Last Word
Both the Bucks and Sixers swap veteran point guards who have several years of playoff experience. Beverley and Payne will be playing behind excellent starters in their own right, and will each play key roles for Milwaukee and Philadelphia, respectively—especially once the playoffs roll around.
Beverley has since reacted to the news via his personal X account:
Ok ok ok. 🥶 Game. @PatBevPod Philly Luv Gang
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) February 8, 2024
If these teams face each other in the 2024 postseason—a matchup that hasn’t happened since 2001—it’s safe to say it’ll mean more for those two than anyone else.
