The Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in a challenging position as the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 8th. With a new head coach, Doc Rivers, taking the helm mid-season, the team is undergoing a significant transformation. However, implementing Rivers' system is proving to be a difficult task given the team's limitations, especially on the defensive end. On top of that, the Bucks have limited assets to execute trades, with only two available second-round picks. This scarcity of resources makes it challenging for them to meet the high demands set by potential sellers in this year's market, where many teams are looking to buy.
In light of the trade deadline, it is worth categorizing the Bucks' roster into tiers based on who might be on the trading block. Let's take a closer look:
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo: There is no way the Bucks would consider parting ways with their star player. Giannis is the cornerstone of the franchise and holds immense value both on and off the court.
2. Damian Lillard: While not actively looking to trade for Lillard, the Bucks may entertain offers that blow them away. Although they would never initiate the conversation or openly admit to listening, there may still be a part of them questioning the trade they made last summer. However, given Lillard's track record and potential for improvement, the motivation to make a move appears minimal.
3. Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez: Both players have dropped a tier this season. Middleton had a solid campaign and performed well in last year's postseason, making him a reliable third option behind Antetokounmpo and Lillard. However, questions remain about his defensive capabilities and mobility at this stage in his career. Lopez has faced unfair criticism from fans regarding his defense, as the team's defensive struggles stem more from their perimeter defenders. Nevertheless, his lack of athleticism limits the defensive schemes the Bucks can implement. While not actively looking to trade Middleton or Lopez, the Bucks would entertain offers if their names came up in a deal.
4. Andre Jackson Jr. and Malik Beasley: The Bucks prefer to keep both players on the roster and are not actively shopping them. However, they would consider a trade if it provided a favorable opportunity. It would be surprising to see them involved in a trade before the deadline, but not entirely out of the realm of possibility.
5. Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, MarJon Beauchamp, and Cameron Payne: With their limited draft pick assets, the Bucks hope to convince other teams to take on one or more players from this tier. Portis and Connaughton were key contributors to the Bucks' championship-winning team but may be ready to move on due to their defensive liabilities. Beauchamp, a former first-round pick, could sweeten a potential deal, even though he has yet to impress in Milwaukee. Payne's inclusion in a trade could help match salaries and facilitate potential moves.
6. Chris Livingston, Robin Lopez, A.J. Green, and Jae Crowder: These players are all viable options for the Bucks to include in a trade. Livingston, Lopez, and Green have found themselves buried on the bench for various reasons and are unlikely to play significant roles in Milwaukee's short or long-term plans. Crowder, although seeming out of place in this group, took six months for the Phoenix Suns to trade last year, and it now appears that his effectiveness as a premier wing-stopper may be waning. While the Bucks prefer to retain Crowder, they would entertain offers for him.
7. Thanasis Antetokounmpo: Thanasis played a crucial role in convincing his brother, Giannis, to sign his contract extension. As such, the Bucks have little reason to consider parting ways with him.
Navigating the trade deadline is always a complex task for any team, and the Bucks find themselves with challenges this season. Limited assets and the desire to improve defensively while staying competitive make it difficult for Milwaukee to make significant moves. However, with the right opportunity, the team may look to make strategic trades that address their needs and strengthen their championship aspirations.
