The Milwaukee Bucks must consider trades this offseason to return to the top of the league. Although still holding the title of the reigning NBA champions, that will be lost shortly to one of the Boston Celtics or Golden State Warriors. In the Bucks’ defense, they were without Khris Middleton for much of their series versus the Celtics. A trade or two can elevate the Bucks once again.
Milwaukee Bucks: Two Trades to Consider
Depth and Youth
Milwaukee Bucks receive PJ Tucker and James Bouknight.
Charlotte Hornets receive Brook Lopez.
Miami Heat receive Mason Plumlee.
In this trade, the Bucks reunite with Tucker. His veteran leadership, perimeter defense, and three-point shooting were certainly needed this season. In short, Wesley Matthews was not able to replicate what Tucker can do. He helps Milwaukee’s bid for another championship next season. In addition, the Bucks snag Bouknight, a lottery pick from last season. He rarely played for the Hornets last season, so perhaps he’s not in their plans. Milwaukee gets a young player with plenty of untapped potential. Lopez can leave Milwaukee should the team extend Bobby Portis.
Charlotte desperately needs a center. They may address this in the NBA Draft, but acquiring a veteran helps in the short term as well. Lopez will instantly start for the Hornets and adds to the team’s electrifying offense.
Finally, Miami gets Plumlee. Although the Heat made the Eastern Conference Finals this season, it was apparent that the team needed to add a more traditional center to play alongside Bam Adebayo. Plumlee fixes this on a relatively lower salary.
Perimeter Help
Milwaukee Bucks receive Kenrich Williams.
Oklahoma City Thunder receive George Hill, both second-round picks owned by Milwaukee in 2023.
Williams was a hot name around the 2022 NBA Trade Deadline. He never got dealt, however. Due to the number of picks the Thunder own in this year’s draft, as well as their timetable, it would be no surprise to see them trade Williams this offseason.
Milwaukee should step in.
Last season, Williams averaged about seven points, five rebounds, and two assists per game. He also averaged a steal per game, and this all came on 22 minutes on the floor. Williams will rarely break the box score, but he does all the little things well. He can score, he’s a tough rebounder, his perimeter defense is very solid, and he’ll force turnovers. Williams earned the moniker of “Kenny Hustle” while in college at Texas Christian University, and the name holds up to this day. Milwaukee can use help on the perimeter and depth behind Middleton, which is exactly what Williams will bring.
Hill is a steady veteran, but Milwaukee can opt to use Jevon Carter behind Jrue Holiday, and possibly even draft a point guard in the first round of the draft.
The Thunder will likely be open to taking Hill in, and he can be dealt again to another team in the future. Hill is a serial winner, so contending teams will be interested. Oklahoma City also gets more draft picks here which they clearly covet.
