Yesterday’s Milwaukee Bucks trade for center Samuel Dalembert was a John Hammond move in every sense of the phrase. While not as exciting as bringing in loose lips that have sunk an admirable number of ships (Stephen Jackson) or a guy that looks like he could be cast in The Expendables (Corey Maggette), this was a comprehensive value move that cost little financially and immediately upgrades the Bucks’ starting lineup. (more…)

April 21, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Samuel Dalembert (21) dunks against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE

Update (5:48 CT): The trade also sends a future Houston second-round pick and cash considerations to Milwaukee.

Given the franchise’s strong track record with second-round picks, this bonus can only help.

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According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bucks have traded Jon Leuer, Shaun Livington, Jon Brockman, and the #12 pick in the upcoming draft for Samuel Dalembert and the #14 pick.  The move gives the Bucks the center that they have lacked since the Andrew Bogut trade (and during Bogut’s injuries).

The Bucks didn’t give up any overwhelming assets in the trade:  Leuer was stuck is a roster logjam behind multiple power forwards. Livingston’s remaining contract year was a team option.  Brockman was only on the court in moments of extreme injury and/or foul trouble.

My initial reaction is to applaud the trade, since the only real concession by the Bucks was to move down two spots in the draft.

Now we’ll have to see if they can get a player they like in that spot, and if this move appeases them to the point where they can make a move for the best player available — regardless of position.