Though the Milwaukee Bucks have won four out of their last five games, with back-to-back blowouts. Now 22-17, they’ve climbed the Eastern Conference standings, where they’re now fourth. However, only 2.0 games separated them from the ninth-place Atlanta Hawks. So, with the Bucks having just a 6-4 record in their last 10 games, they’re not in the clear yet.
There are marginal moves that Milwaukee can make to improve. A connector with an offensive game would be helpful. Though Brook Lopez has had a bounceback season, a defensive-minded backup center would be useful, due to his age (36). They still haven’t solved their depth concerns at point guard, either.
New Intel Revives Jimmy Butler-Bucks Trade
With the trade deadline slowly approaching, time is of the essence for Milwaukee. Aside from perhaps veteran guard Patrick Beverley, there aren’t many free agents who look like they’d make a difference for them. That being said, there’s one player who’s available for trade who could be a game-changer: Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler.
Though “it remains unclear which teams are truly willing to get into the Butler business,” writes The Athletic’s Sam Amick, “two league sources insisted that the Milwaukee Bucks have not, contrary to reports, been told by Butler’s camp that he doesn’t want to play there.”
Last week, reports indicated that Butler’s camp warned the Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies against trading for him. With the Phoenix Suns’ purported interest in him, it could’ve been a smokescreen. What better way to lower Butler’s price than removing the competition for his services?
Nonetheless, there was little reason to doubt the veracity of those claims at the time. As previously stated, the Suns want to partner with Butler and the feeling is mutual. Butler is also willing to play for the Golden State Warriors.
Unlike the Grizzlies, both Phoenix and Golden State have players who have won championships. So does Milwaukee, a team led by Hall of Fame-bound Giannis Antetokounmpo. As Butler looks to win his first NBA championship, that’s the type of help he needs: the request that Heat president Pat Riley refused to fulfill.
Why Trade For Jimmy Butler?
If traded to the Bucks, Butler obviously wouldn’t help them plug in all of their roster holes.
Nevertheless, he’s a two-way playmaker who would be a connective piece and reliable scorer. Just imagine if Andre Jackson Jr. could put up 20 points per night. With that being said, he’s also an upgrade over Khris Middleton, who may have lost a step after multiple injuries to his lower extremities.
The elephant in the room is what Milwaukee might have to give up for him. Damian Lillard expressed interest in playing for the Heat when he requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. Furthermore, he’s had a number of strong performances for the Bucks, but the All-Star has been anything but a clean fit.
They could move him, hoping the pairing between Butler and Antetokounmpo is a lot smoother. With Heat rising star Tyler Herro surging and Bam Adebayo slumping, it would also behoove Miami to make the deal.
The post New Intel Revives Jimmy Butler-Bucks Trade appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.