4 Milwaukee Bucks Players Most Likely to be Moved in Trades…
The Milwaukee Bucks, under the guidance of new head coach Adrian Griffin, are a team in transition, with potential roster adjustments on the horizon.
Despite a rocky start to the season, their offensive performance has surged, boasting a third-ranked 120.5 offensive rating, which could be historic if maintained.
Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the team is unlocking the full potential of its elite offensive talent.
On the defensive side, there’s room for improvement. While they started slow, the Bucks have climbed to 19th in defensive rating, notably reaching 14th since adjusting Brook Lopez’s coverage strategy on November 3rd.
However, further defensive enhancements are necessary, prompting coach Griffin to experiment with defensive schemes and potentially acquire players aligned with his defensive preferences.
Given their limited draft assets, the Bucks may need to part ways with key players in trade deals. Four players are particularly likely to be traded if the Bucks pursue such moves.
- Pat Connaughton: Despite Connaughton’s invaluable contributions in past postseasons, his recent year-and-a-half shooting slump and defensive struggles have diminished his on-court value. With a $9.4 million salary in 2023-24, he becomes a trade candidate primarily for salary-matching purposes.
- Bobby Portis: A fan-favorite known for his energy and scoring off the bench, Portis’s defensive limitations make him a potential trade piece. His $11.7 million salary could provide the Bucks with financial flexibility, but a replacement for his role would be necessary.
- MarJon Beauchamp: Although Milwaukee lacks young talent, Beauchamp, despite making strides, is not untouchable. His defensive potential is notable, but he’s yet to prove himself as a reliable rotational player. His offensive contributions, while showing promise in three-point shooting, are based on a small sample size.
- Andre Jackson Jr.: Drafted in the second round this season, Jackson Jr. exhibits defensive prowess and offers a unique offensive presence. While his outside shot has shown promise, a larger sample size is needed to confirm its reliability. His cutting, ball-handling, and passing skills make him an intriguing off-ball asset.
As the Bucks aim to refine their roster, these players may be involved in potential trades, allowing the team to address defensive shortcomings and better align with Coach Griffin’s vision.
Leave a Reply