Through the 2017-18 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks currently have the sixth-best record in the Eastern Conference (21-18). As Giannis Antetokounmpo is on pace for a career season, some feel the Bucks are underperforming as they are one of the more active teams heading into the February trade deadline.
After trading for Eric Bledsoe from the Phoenix Suns earlier in the season, the Bucks have been linked with DeAndre Jordan. However, if Milwaukee decides to stand pat at the trade deadline, it appears head coach Jason Kidd is optimistic according to Matt Velazquez of Journal Sentinel:
In pregame Jason Kidd mentioned the team has pegged Jabari Parker’s return for — generally speaking — the week before the All-Star break. First time anyone has pinpointed it that I’ve heard.
— Matt Velazquez (@Matt_Velazquez) January 10, 2018
Jabari Parker, who unfortunately suffered his second torn ACL injury during the 2016-17 season, averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 51 games. While Parker has spent his entire career with the team as the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the hope is he can take Milwaukee to the next step once he returns.
While it will take time for Kidd to reintegrate Parker into the starting lineup, the Bucks will finally have a clear second option as Khris Middleton can return to his usual role. With one of the more young and talented rosters in the league, it will be interesting if the Bucks are comfortable with Parker's return or feel they need more help.
Should the Bucks ultimately decide to make a move, Parker's name has been mentioned in trade rumors throughout the season. As he is set to become a restricted free agent and is reportedly seeking a max contract, Milwaukee may be comfortable moving the 22-year-old considering his injury history.
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