The Milwaukee Bucks will soon have increased flexibility in possible trades due to the NBA’s recently-signed restriction being lifted on December 15th.
This date should open up trade discussions league-wide and the Bucks are expected to be active in said conversations. With Khris Middleton working back into form, Bucks fans should expect a marginal adjustment to the roster, rather than a significant blockbuster.
In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Clippers are positioned similarly to the Bucks in the East. Because of the desire to earn a non-play-in playoff seed, these two fringe play-in teams should be looking at moves that could differentiate themselves.
Fadeaway World proposed the following trade idea involving the two playoff-hopefuls:
Bucks receive: Nicolas Batum, Bones Hyland
Clippers receive: Pat Connaughton
The Bucks agree to this trade in order to gain a valuable rotation wing along with an upside guard who could grow into a reliable backup. Recently, Connaughton has fallen out of coach Doc Rivers’ rotation. Acquiring useful depth of this nature would be significantly beneficial to the Bucks’ chances of avoiding the play-in.
The 35-year old Batum can space the floor as he is shooting 35.9 percent from three on the season. His no-dip catch-and-shoot ability would thrive alongside Antetokounmpo drives. Hyland is more of a swing at a young player, who could become a useful bench guard in the right situation. However, both Hyland and Batum provide cromulent passing, vision, and ball-handling skills.
There doesn’t appear to be any strong motivation from the Clippers to accept this trade. Assuming they will be preparing for a playoff run of their own, Batum and Hyland are far more beneficial to the Clippers than Connaughton would be. In his limited opportunity this season, even without Khris Middleton, Connaughton shot just 29.5 percent from three.
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