Milwaukee Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe was supposedly the final piece to the playoff puzzle of the team. With Giannis Antetekoumnpo, Khris Middleton, and Jabari Parker last season, they needed a point guard to complement the trio. His roster fit with the Bucks was questionable, but an upgrade on talent nonetheless.
In reality, the Bucks needed a point guard with a reliable outside shot, not another slasher that Antetekoumnpo had to battle off possessions.
The lack of shooting was exposed in the playoffs, as Terry Rozier badly outplayed the ex-Phoenix Suns point guard in spurts which led to a Bucks elimination in seven games. Not a testament to how the Bucks played, but how resilient a young, incomplete Celtic team can rise above situations.
As the Bucks let the oft-injured Jabari Parker walk to his hometown team of Chicago, maybe it was about time to pull the plug on the Bledsoe experiment.
If they consider, a hypothetical trade with the L.A. Clippers could immediately change their fortunes and the complexion of each conference.
The Bucks would have to send Eric Bledsoe, Tony Snell, and Thon Maker for the Clippers’ Patrick Beverley, Danilo Gallinari, and Milos Teodosic.
How is this good for the Bucks?
Firstly, Clippers point guard Patrick Beverley is a defensive bulldog that can space the floor with his shooting, which is the best piece of the trade they are acquiring.
Secondly, they get the versatile Gallinari who is a scoring mismatch when healthy that can stroke the deep ball.
Lastly, they get passing wizard guard in Teodosic who can work wonders if healthy and shoot from beyond the arc.
If there is an underlying common theme between the three players the Bucks could acquire, it is their ability to shoot the deep ball consistently which definitely covers the Bucks' need.
The significant addition covers their much-needed starting point guard position, the reserve guard position, and a big that could start when healthy or come off the bench that could play either forward spot. This actually prioritizes the win-now situation of Milwaukee by exchanging young talent for a more experienced cast, which will pay off in the long run for their postseason chances.
Why are the Clippers ok with this?
The Clippers have only one plan going into this 2018-19 season, get a young talent, lose those unwanted contracts, and offer as much for the elite players next summer.
The Clippers are making as much room to sign two franchise pieces in the free agency bonanza of next summer which showcases names like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Jimmy Butler. Thon Maker fits the young-talent-to-develop category, while Tony Snell is due for a breakout season for a resident three-and-D specialist.
Aside from a reunion with his first team, Bledsoe could act as an attraction piece for the free agents who potentially want to play in Los Angeles, a future teammate they can look forward to. Although if all goes south with the experiment, they can just let him walk and go on an all-out spending spree next summer.
It is also good to note that this trade saves the Clippers from a bullet which is Gallinari’s hefty contract. Flipping him gives the team a bit more wiggle room with their cap space.
Conclusion
All in all, this is a straight-up swap which covers the needs of both teams. A win-win of sorts for both sides.
The Bucks get to arm themselves with perimeter threats and solidify the point guard slot for future playoff runs. This trade may actually turn the tides in their favor that would catapult them with the elite teams in the East.
At the same time, the Clippers get a talent to develop in Maker, a three-and-D project in Snell, and a fringe All-star in Bledsoe. Ultimately, the best part for them is acquiring all these with the promise of more cash to spend in free agency.
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