The Milwaukee Bucks aren't enjoying the season they expected after winning the NBA title the previous season. Numerous of the Bucks' early-season troubles may be attributed to the fact that they have had many players sidelined for a good portion of this season and are without Brook Lopez, probably their most valuable defensive player.
Milwaukee isn't very concerned about their season's start, given that they had a similar start last season and went on to win the championship. It appears that their Big 3 are unconcerned with their struggles and are focused on getting the job done in the playoffs. The Milwaukee Bucks were the number one seed in back-to-back seasons a few years ago, yet they lost in the second round and the Conference Final Round, demonstrating that seeding doesn't matter to this squad.
Milwaukee will almost certainly make some changes before the trade deadline, so let's take a look at the four best transactions they can make to improve their chances of winning a championship.
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Best Bucks Trades Amid Recent Struggles
Bucks get: Mo Bamba
Magic get: Semi Ojeleye, Donte DiVincenzo
One of the biggest reasons the Milwaukee Bucks have not performed as well as they have in recent seasons is their absence of center Brook Lopez. Brook Lopez has only appeared in one game this season, and it was the first game of the season in which the Bucks defeated the Brooklyn Nets by 20-plus points.
Mo Bamba isn't going to be able to replace Brook Lopez, but he'll be more than enough until Brook returns from injury. Even if Brook does return and the team is in the playoffs, Mo Bamba will be able to provide 10 to 15 serviceable minutes every night at the center position.
If the Milwaukee Bucks do not go out and get another center, the regular season will be incredibly difficult for them. It's unclear why they let DeMarcus Cousins go, but at the end of the day, he wasn't someone the Bucks could trust in the playoff. Milwaukee made the decision because they didn't agree with some of what was going on in the locker room, and they also realized he may be a liability on defense in the playoffs.
Bucks get: Justin Holiday
Pacers get: Semi Ojeleye, Donte DiVincenzo
There have been several speculations that the Bucks are interested in Justin Holiday, Jrue Holiday's brother. Even if Justin Holiday isn't as good as Jrue, he is still one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA and can absolutely help this team. He doesn't defend as effectively as his brother, but at 6 foot 6′, he provides the Bucks with valuable length in the playoffs.
When facing Kevin Durant, the Bucks will need multiple players who can be thrown at him for a certain amount of possessions per game, and having someone who is 6 foot 6′ and can at least attempt to contest Kevin Durant's shots and make it difficult for him is something the Bucks will desperately need.
When you consider that the Pacers will also receive Donte DiVincenzo, who they wanted before he was drafted, it may be a good deal for both parties.
The Bucks must also consider that they are unlikely to re-sign Donte DiVincenzo in the offseason, so if they can get back a player who can make an immediate impact, it would make the most sense for them to make this type of trade.
Bucks get: Robert Covington
Blazers get: Donte DiVincenzo, Semi Ojeleye, George Hill, Rodney Hood
Robert Covington would be everything the Bucks could ask for in a player. Unfortunately, the Bucks will have to give up a lot to get a trade done for him, and it's possible that they won't due to how much he makes and what the Bucks would have to give up.
Giving up Donte DiVincenzo, Semi Ojeleye, and Rodney Hood isn't a major concern for this Bucks squad, but it's when they have to give up George Hill that the problems begin as Milwaukee would have no backup point guard.
Bucks get: Tyrese Haliburton
Kings get: Donte DiVincenzo, Semi Ojeleye, 2022 first-round pick
The Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings have been said to be working on a deal, but no one knows who will be dealt with whom. Although it is debatable if they would give up Tyrese Haliburton for this sort of return, the Bucks would have to seize the opportunity if it ever arose. Tyrese Haliburton is a Wisconsin native who can return home and play in front of his family while playing for one of the best teams in the NBA.
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