Trade Deadline - Feb 9

[mufan2003]

A lot of Bucks rumors swirling around, sometimes it is the player(s) never mentioned that the Bucks end up acquiring. Top of my list would be Jae Crowder and Bojan Bogdanovic. Crowder has sat out all season and would be the tough, physical defender needed to guard Tatum/Brown deep in the playoffs (Tucker role) who can also stick the open 3. That allows Middleton to guard the other and Holiday on Smart.

Detroit is thinking long-term, a nice, young nucleus with Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren. The Bucks are able to trade their 2029 first-round pick, but that might seem too distant for some teams. Bogdanovic is having a career year averaging 20+ PPG and shooting 41% from beyond the arc (with size). At 34, doesn't make sense for the Pistons not to flip him for future, young talent and/or draft picks.

I hate to say it, because I like his potential, but the Bucks may have to consider Marjon Beauchamp if they want to go "all-in" on winning titles over the next few years (in addition to Grayson Allen or even Connaughton). If Connaughton has more value than Allen, you might trade Connaughton and keep Allen. Those two are similar, even though I prefer Connaughton. Joe Ingles is coming into his own, get Middleton back, and if you can add Crowder or Bogdanovic.....that would be ideal IMO.

https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-bucks-nearing-jae-crowder-trade-rockets-involved

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/why-the-milwaukee-bucks-need-to-go-all-in-on-trading-for-bojan-bogdanovi%C4%87/ar-AA168eqd

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/rumor-knicks-asking-price-for-cam-reddish-amid-lakers-bucks-trade-interest/ar-AA16aQR8

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10061162-knicks-trade-rumors-immanuel-quickley-eyed-by-mavericks-wizards-bucks-more

[Goose85]

I wouldn't move Connaughton or Beauchamp. Not sure that would be worth a rental.

Crowder's trade value continues to decrease. Might be able to get him for Nwora, Hill and a couple second rounders. Nwora has some value, and Hill adds salary offset. Could add in Ibaka too, but he has a no trade and would need to waive the no trade.

I think, once all are healthy, we have enough to win it all now. Adding Crowder would really help. Wonder if teams are waiting to see if Phoenix is willing to settle with him should he not get moved by Feb 9.

[mufan2003]

I wouldn't move Connaughton or Beauchamp. Not sure that would be worth a rental.

Crowder's trade value continues to decrease. Might be able to get him for Nwora, Hill and a couple second rounders. Nwora has some value, and Hill adds salary offset. Could add in Ibaka too, but he has a no trade and would need to waive the no trade.

I think, once all are healthy, we have enough to win it all now. Adding Crowder would really help. Wonder if teams are waiting to see if Phoenix is willing to settle with him should he not get moved by Feb 9.

I would also prefer trading Allen (who is having a very solid year), Nwora, Hill, the 2029 1st-round pick, etc.

The untradeable core is Giannis, Middleton, Holiday, Lopez, Portis. Everyone else depends on the specific deal being presented. Sounds like Cam Reddish might be available for 2nd-round picks.

The Bucks own the #2 Defensive Rating in the NBA but are hovering around #20 in Offensive Rating. That might be a bit of a misnomer with no Middleton for practically the entire season along with Holiday, Connaughton, Ingles missing large chunks of time.

The Celtics are the one team I am not convinced we are better than right now as is. In defending Tatum/Brown, who have really progressed, could use Crowder to defend one with Middleton defending the other. Then Holiday on Smart.

Middleton has been out for so long, really need him back and developing chemistry with the team again. Unusual considering he did not tear an ACL or rupture an Achilles. No reason to panic, but hopefully returns soon and stays healthy for the remainder of the season.

[MUfan12]

Ibaka won't be on the roster much longer. Rumors of some real discontent there.

Even more than a wing defender, they need some damn shooting. It's laborious watching their offense at times with a bunch of 30-35% shooters hoisting threes.

[mufan2003]

Ibaka won't be on the roster much longer. Rumors of some real discontent there.

Even more than a wing defender, they need some damn shooting. It's laborious watching their offense at times with a bunch of 30-35% shooters hoisting threes.

I had some hope that Ibaka could have a resurgence similar to Al Horford, but he has looked washed up. Pictures of him chillin on a beach, whatever, guy has been irrelevant.

Shooting picked up in the last few games, but again, a lot of it had to do with Middleton, Connaughton, Ingles, and even Holiday missing multiple games.

How about Jrue Holiday......the guy goes for 35 and 37 in back-to-back games without Giannis and Middleton. That is why I take him every day of the week over Marcus Smart. Could Smart do that in the absence of Tatum and Brown?

Holiday's numbers this season in 34 games:

19.4 PPG
7.4 AST
4.9 REB
1.4 STL
38.8% 3P%
86.9 FT%

[mufan2003]

https://twitter.com/SiriusXMNBA/status/1616193406903980043

[mufan2003]

Bucks offered 4 second-round picks for Eric Gordon. Houston supposedly looking for a first-round pick.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/nba-trade-rumors-milwaukee-bucks-offer-4-second-round-picks-to-houston-rockets-for-eric-gordon/ar-AA16D1ae

[Goose85]

I'd rather move 2nd round picks than a guy like Allen for some of the rental options I've seen discussed.

Would Gordon really improve the team?

[MUfan12]

I think he'd give the scoring punch they need off the bench, but that price is way high.

I'd bring a guy like him in if there's a bigger wing defender ala Crowder too. The latter is the bigger need against Boston.

[Goose85]

I'd like to see Crowder, but more for a couple 2nd rounders and or Ibaka. He would fit well, but hasn't played all year and at this point with just over 30 games left not sure I'd give up anyone that actually plays.
I can see Gordon, but would only want to part with 2nd rounder and maybe Nwora or something like that. Guy is getting up there and is a rental too.

I think Allen will be really key off the bench once Middleton is back in the flow, so I'd hate to give him up for an unknown fit on the team.

[mufan2003]

"Suns have given permission to Bucks to meet with Jae Crowder ahead of trade deadline."

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1620059318874947586

[mufan2003]

“The Bucks most current offer is Jordan Nwora, Serge Ibaka, George Hill, 2nd round draft compensations… for Crowder”.........uhhh, yes please.

https://twitter.com/FanDuelTV/status/1620077095035584513

[MUfan12]

Hearing Phoenix is looking at a bigger deal, so the odds of Jae landing here took a hit.

Horst is in a tough spot. How much do you want to leverage the future to improve this team, this year? Will be hard to do without a first and/or MarJon.

[mufan2003]

Hearing Phoenix is looking at a bigger deal, so the odds of Jae landing here took a hit.

Horst is in a tough spot. How much do you want to leverage the future to improve this team, this year? Will be hard to do without a first and/or MarJon.

This has always been the case. Unfortunately for Phoenix, other teams are reluctant (right now) to give up 1st-round picks and/or players of value for Crowder.

Crowder needs to be a final piece on an already contending team. Even then, he is a solid starter/role player, not an all-star.

The amount this deal has been discussed in the public without getting done makes me a bit pessimistic. Rumors that Phoenix floated details of the deal to entice better offers, especially from those in contention with Milwaukee in the East. Not that it can't happen still, but this whole thing has been strange.

[mufan2003]

Wow.....Durant to Phoenix for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder and four 1st-round picks. No depth for Phoenix but a Big 3 of Durant, Booker, Ayton and an aging Chris Paul. Even Durant is already 34.

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1623564676066934785?t=TxsRIytNZrK6wOVH158WUw&s=19

Brooklyn will turn around and entertain trade scenarios for Crowder.

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1623574448577060865?t=t1N7VaGBe1DM_T-puVrEVQ&s=19

[IWB]

Crowder to Bucks for 5 second round picks.
https://www.si.com/nba/magic/news/los-angeles-la-lakers-trade-thomas-bryant-denver-nuggets-after-russell-westbrook-deal-nba-trade-tracker

[mufan2003]

https://twitter.com/CJC9BOSS/status/1623732833318584326?t=jKyuFSwXtP_7Q35LQfJqMQ&s=19

[mufan2003]

Love it, well done Bucks. Milwaukee is as deep as they have ever been.

Brooklyn had been playing really well with Irving and Durant. Now both are in the Western Conference.

Really feels like a 2 team race in the East, Milwaukee and Boston.

[mufan2003]

https://twitter.com/brewcitypaul/status/1623740610820669440?t=cvAH0sCU6rQsY9cnugy56Q&s=19

[mufan2003]

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1623742391072043008?t=Jh_9sVVSmBCjCssvaOocOw&s=19

https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1623744890629722119?t=nD6EUTrdhDOPHxqJ4tt6qA&s=19

[Goose85]

Bucks add Crowder and offset the salary by moving Ibaka, Hill and Nwora.
Seems there are also a bunch of second rounders flying around, so not sure what the end result of that will be, but where the Bucks pick, second rounder is the same as an undrafted free agent.

Basically, added Crowder for guys that don't play. He is a prototypical playoff guy (tough D), and should help against Boston.

[mufan2003]

I had to travel today and got a chance to listen to Sirius XM NBA Radio in the hours leading up to the deadline. Crazy, one of the busier deadlines I can remember.

Already Rui Hachimura to the Lakers. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant head West. The Lakers adding D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt and Mo Bamba in 24 hours. Golden State trading #2 overall pick James Wiseman to Detroit, Detroit sending Saddiq Bey to Atlanta and Gary Payton II back to Golden State. Crowder eventually happening for Milwaukee. That is just the tip of the iceberg.

https://www.nba.com/news/2023-nba-trade-deadline-buzz-feb-9

The West is so loaded now with stars. Brooklyn drops off as a contender in the East, and they probably knew they weren't good enough to beat Boston or Milwaukee and maybe throw in Philly.

This was a really good day for Milwaukee. The power of having a franchise player, a unicorn like Giannis (only 28), is a magnet to draw in other players wanting to win a ring. The NBA has become all about "back channels" and valuable players can practically force their team's hand when they want out.

The Bucks' depth chart is ridiculous now. The eventual starting five are all high quality, 2-way players. When the playoffs roll around, my guess at how the depth chart looks:

1-Holiday
2-Middleton
3-Crowder
4-Giannis
5-Lopez

Portis
Connaughton
Ingles
Carter
Allen
Matthews
Beauchamp

The Bucks will be able to play so many different ways and the reserves' minutes will fluctuate at times based on opponent and needs in that series. It will be about the matchups. If a player misses 2 or 3 games in a series due to injury (Giannis in the 2021 ECF......games 5 and 6), they have quality depth to cover it.

[Goose85]

I had to travel today and got a chance to listen to Sirius XM NBA Radio in the hours leading up to the deadline. Crazy, one of the busier deadlines I can remember.

Already Rui Hachimura to the Lakers. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant head West. The Lakers adding D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt and Mo Bamba in 24 hours. Golden State trading #2 overall pick James Wiseman to Detroit, Detroit sending Saddiq Bey to Atlanta and Gary Payton II back to Golden State. Crowder eventually happening for Milwaukee. That is just the tip of the iceberg.

https://www.nba.com/news/2023-nba-trade-deadline-buzz-feb-9

The West is so loaded now with stars. Brooklyn drops off as a contender in the East, and they probably knew they weren't good enough to beat Boston or Milwaukee and maybe throw in Philly.

This was a really good day for Milwaukee. The power of having a franchise player, a unicorn like Giannis (only 28), is a magnet to draw in other players wanting to win a ring. The NBA has become all about "back channels" and valuable players can practically force their team's hand when they want out.

The Bucks' depth chart is ridiculous now. The eventual starting five are all high quality, 2-way players. When the playoffs roll around, my guess at how the depth chart looks:

1-Holiday
2-Middleton
3-Crowder
4-Giannis
5-Lopez

Portis
Connaughton
Ingles
Carter
Allen
Matthews
Beauchamp

The Bucks will be able to play so many different ways and the reserves' minutes will fluctuate at times based on opponent and needs in that series. It will be about the matchups. If a player misses 2 or 3 games in a series due to injury (Giannis in the 2021 ECF......games 5 and 6), they have quality depth to cover it.

Not sure Crowder will start, but you are right, we can match-up with almost anyone. Reminds me of the title year when one series Portis didn't play at all, and the next series he was a key reserve.

I think Beauchamp is the only one who won't get good minutes depending on match-ups. He may get time in early rounds to save some legs for later rounds though.

The West is going to be fun to watch.

[mufan2003]

Crowder will eventually start, assuming he maintains the level of play he displayed in Phoenix, just maybe not in the near-term immediately after the trade. Similar to Middleton who is coming off the bench now (returning from injury) but will be starting again at some point.

Beauchamp, right, he got the bulk of his minutes early in the year when guys were out. He has already fallen out of the rotation as players have returned from injury. A promising, young player though.

Interesting when you look at ages, Crowder (32) is right there with Holiday (32) and Middleton (31). Giannis (28), Portis (27), Connaughton (30), Allen (27). Lopez the oldest at 34. When you see guys like LeBron (38), Chris Paul (37), Durant (34) and Steph Curry (34) still playing at a high level, makes you wonder if the Bucks window is more 3-4 years with this core group versus 1-2 years. Injuries can always change things (knock on wood).

[MUfan12]

Unless some things change over the next few months, this year is likely the last dance with this core. Brook's staring down a chance to get one more decent contract at age 35, and I'm not sure the Bucks will want to spend that on someone with his injury issues. Middleton is likely in the same boat, I don't see an extension coming from MKE.

I think with two spots you'll see them get aggressive in the buyout market, especially for some scoring punch off the bench. I'm really glad they got the Crowder deal done... having a physical, switchable wing will be huge against Boston.

[Goose85]

Unless some things change over the next few months, this year is likely the last dance with this core. Brook's staring down a chance to get one more decent contract at age 35, and I'm not sure the Bucks will want to spend that on someone with his injury issues. Middleton is likely in the same boat, I don't see an extension coming from MKE.

I think with two spots you'll see them get aggressive in the buyout market, especially for some scoring punch off the bench. I'm really glad they got the Crowder deal done... having a physical, switchable wing will be huge against Boston.

I think the Bucks sign Lopez. Extend the window another couple years, but start limiting his minutes (hard to do this year with so many other injuries). Not sure he will chase much bigger dollars while he fits well here and has a chance to get NBA titles.

Middleton exercises his player option for next year. Then who knows after that when he hits free agency.

Crowder may come back to MKE as well. Seems a number of GMs weren't thrilled with his not playing this year, and I'm not sure he will be able to show enough in the last 20 games and playoffs to get a bigger contract than he currently has now. Add to that he will be 33 heading into next season and I could see a 3 year deal favorable to the Bucks with the third year being an option year.

That would set the Bucks up for at least another couple year run before they have to retool around Giannis.

[mufan2003]

Nothing is ever a certainty in the NBA, but I would be shocked if this was the last season with the core (Giannis, Middleton, Holiday, Lopez). Yes, the Bucks have contractual issues to resolve with Middleton ($40.3M PO) and Lopez (UFA) after this season.

(1) Lopez: Coach Bud and the organization LOVE Brook and the feelings are mutual. A quote from Brook recently, "I’m so thankful for the opportunity the Bucks gave me five years ago to come here and be a part of something special. We’ve had a great time. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-nba-rumors-brook-lopez-wants-stay-milwaukee-bucks-long-term-win-defensive-player-year

Another smart organization (Boston) just gave a 2-year, $20 million extension to Al Horford at age 36. This keeps Horford in Boston through the 24-25 season when he will be 39. Players' longevity seems to be increasing with all of the advances in nutrition, sports science, training, etc. I see Milwaukee doing something similar and giving Brook at least a 2-year deal. The guy has been in DPOY discussions and was in the All-Star reserve discussion. His outside shooting is ideal next to Giannis. This would keep Brook with the Bucks through 24-25 when Giannis has his player option in July of 2025.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/celtics-al-horford-agrees-to-two-year-20-million-contract-extension/

(2) Middleton: A guy that is only 31, 6"8", and can score on all 3 levels without relying on athleticism (elevating off the floor) to produce. He just glides around the court and is crafty with his size. My best guess is Khris gets a new 4-year deal and the PO never comes into play. This new deal would have him playing between ages 32-35. Before the MCL sprain last April in the playoffs, Khris has been one of the more available All-Stars in the league. Just has had a tough 12-month stretch. I also think the Bucks were being overly cautious with his return. Looking very good since returning from injury.

Looking at the 2023 Free Agent class, not overly impressive, even more reason to keep Middleton and Lopez.

https://hoopshype.com/lists/2023-nba-free-agent-rankings-top-players-available-next-summer/

The Bucks acquire Crowder's Bird Rights with the trade, Holiday has a PO for 24-25 and Giannis' PO is for 25-26. I just don't think this will be it, yet I really want to see them win it all this season. This roster is loaded with the best player in the NBA.