The Milwaukee Bucks have the 24th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Although the opportunity to add a key piece for the future seems enticing, the best use of the pick is to trade it for a player that is experienced and ready to help right away.
Finding a trade the Bucks can use with their 24th overall pick is tricky because the Stepien Rule is in play. Milwaukee didn't make a first-round selection in last year's draft and doesn't have one next year. The rule states that teams cannot go consecutive drafts without a first-rounder. The Bucks can trade this year's pick, but only after they make the official selection and obtain a pick for next year's draft.
Because of that restriction, some options are off of the table because the opposing team can't offer a 2023 first-rounder. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jordan Clarkson, for example, would be solid options but can only be obtained in wonky, three-team deals.
Still, the Bucks have plenty of other deals they could make.
3 best Bucks trades using No. 24 pick in 2022 NBA Draft
3. Derrick Rose
The Bucks could offer the New York Kicks their pick in exchange for Derrick Rose, who proved that he can still play at a strong level, including in the playoffs. To make the deal work, Milwaukee would send Grayson Allen, George Hill and the pick in exchange for Rose and a 2023 first-rounder that belongs to the Dallas Mavericks.
Rose averaged 13.8 points and 4.1 assists while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 39.4 percent on 3-pointers over the last two years He should be able to thrive off the bench and play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. He could even spend time with Jrue Holiday on the floor.
Although New York may not want to part with one of Tom Thibodeau's faves, adding a second draft pick this year in exchange for a 2023 pick that will probably be later than the 24th pick next year is good business. Allen and Hill could also be useful in their rotation because of their shooting abilities.
2. Myles Turner
The Bucks should start looking for Brook Lopez replacements as he grows older. The Indiana Pacers have just the guy in Myles Turner. Milwaukee should send Lopez, Luca Vildoza, their pick and a 2024 second-round pick via the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Turner, a 2023 first-rounder via the Cleveland Cavaliers and more future NBA Draft capital.
Turner would fit like a glove in Lopez's role. He would make the Bucks' defense much better and continue their scheme of surrounding Antetokounmpo with shooting at the five spot. Although he only has one more year on his current contract, the Bucks offer a great team for him to potentially re-sign with.
Meanwhile, Indiana would add another pick to use in this year's draft and a future pick that could be very valuable. Adding any future draft capital should make the trade worthwhile and the Bucks can add in plenty of other future second-rounders.
1. Eric Gordon and Christian Wood
The Bucks could give the Houston Rockets another first-round pick while getting their own 2023 first-rounder back, which Houston obtained in the P.J. Tucker trade. They could send Lopez, Vildoza, George Hill, Grayson Allen, their pick and future-second round picks in exchange for their own 2023 pick, Eric Gordon and Christian Wood.
Gordon would step in as an upgrade over Allen and Wood would be an offensive upgrade over Lopez that could become a solid defensive presence. They are both strong 3-point shooters, averaging 41.2 percent and 39.0 percent from deep last season respectively.
Milwaukee would either make Antetokounmpo a full-time center or bring Wood off the bench. Either way, he could be a very valuable player in a modified role while Gordon continues his 3-and-D prowess. The Rockets would add another pick to make it three in the 2022 draft, allowing them to potentially trade up. If the Bucks regain their health next season, the pick could be higher than the 24th spot.
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