The Milwaukee Bucks came through with a 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the NBA Cup.
However, they may need to add some reinforcements if they hope to bring home the Larry O’Brien trophy at season’s end. They could look to one of Damian Lillard’s ex-teammates to get the job done.
BetOnline has the Bucks listed as the favorites to land CJ McCollum of the New Orleans Pelicans.
A trade proposal could feature Khris Middleton, who has an expiring contract after next season, and their 2031 first-round draft pick. Because the Bucks are a second-apron team, they cannot aggregate salaries in a trade, but they can remove the $1.6 million necessary to complete this trade in another move.
The Bucks have been rolling, so much so that their time in Las Vegas might’ve saved their season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has climbed up the MVP power rankings as a result of his dominance, which has led the Bucks to a huge turnaround after an unprecedented poor start to the season.
The franchise better look to continue winning or else their two-time MVP could still request a trade at any given moment. Though the Bucks are telling teams a crazy message in regards to trade calls surrounding Antetokounmpo, a tanking Eastern Conference team is “waiting on” him to become available.
Landing McCollum could give the Bucks the scoring boost they so desperately need, especially with Middleton unable to reliably stay healthy.
McCollum thrives as a catch-and-shoot three-point shooter, but he can also create his own opportunities in the midrange and finish at the rim at a high rate.
Considering Lillard’s relationship with McCollum, this trade could make sense. But trading away their 2031 first-round pick is risky, especially since this is the only first-round pick of the four they own that is solely in their possession.
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