The Milwaukee Bucks took home the NBA Cup on Tuesday night in Las Vegas. While not their ultimate goal, their dominant performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder should put the league on notice.
Keep in mind, the Doc Rivers-led Bucks impressively slowed MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander despite Khris Middleton missing the game due to an illness. The Bucks have struggled to matchup against opposing guards all season, so an improvement in perimeter defense would be a significant development. The Bucks have shown they belong with the league’s elite.
As February’s trade deadline gradually approaches, the Bucks would be wise to scour the trade market for potential upgrades. The tanking Portland Trail Blazers appear to be possible trade partners as their front office attempts to gain future assets. A deal between the Bucks and Blazers could resemble the following:
Bucks receive: Jerami Grant, Robert Williams, 2027 second-round pick via NYK
Blazers receive: Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis
This deal is done assuming the Bucks have lost confidence in Middleton’s effectiveness after the major offseason procedures the 3-and-D wing underwent. Otherwise, Middleton’s tertiary fit alongside the league’s current scoring leader, Giannis Antetokounmpo and co-star Damian Lillard. However, Grant and Williams would provide much-needed size and defense to an already-elite offense.
Once a reluctant shooter, Grant is shooting 38.4 percent from three this season while Williams is unfortunately a non-shooter. Because of Williams’ inability to space the floor, his minutes would not overlap much with Antetokounmpo’s playing time in an ideal scenario.
Portland does this move in an effort to quicken the development of their youth. Middleton would open up the floor for Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons as the Scoot Henderson plan has stalled. Also, including Williams in the trade would open up more opportunity for 2024 seventh overall pick, Donovan Clingan.
However, the proposed trade package does not include any future draft capital or young talent which the Blazers would value highly. Because of the lack of future assets, the Blazers should probably seek a better haul.
MORE BUCKS NEWS: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s triple-double leads Milwaukee to NBA Cup title
