NBA Trade Deadline: 5 Big Men For The Milwaukee Bucks To Consider
By Adam McGee
Feb 2, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic (14) argues a call during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Timberwolves 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nikola Pekovic
All indications coming out of Minnesota’s camp suggest that Pekovic isn’t really available, but then with the Timberwolves rebuilding how many of their players are truly off the table?
Pekovic is an incredibly physical center, and one of the most underrated players in his position around the league. He’s a good rebounder, averaging 6.8 boards in 25.5 minutes per game for his career, and perhaps even better than that indicates having played the bulk of that time sharing rebounds with Kevin Love.
Not necessarily a great rim protector, Pekovic’s size is still a big plus though. On defense he’s still a big enough body to prevent the opposition from looking to target him, while offensively he’s more skilled than you’d initially believe.
There’s two big question marks that would surely have to hang over any trade for Pekovic though.
First and foremost, he hasn’t necessarily got the best record health-wise, and secondly, following this season he’s still owed approximately $36 million over the next three years.
He’d add strength, solidity and leadership to the Bucks, and would definitely make for a big improvement in the frontcourt, but do the pros outweigh the potential cons?
What might it take for a deal to go down?
Bucks receive Pekovic and Shabazz Muhammad.
Timberwolves receive Ersan Ilyasova, Jared Dudley and the 2017 1st rounder that the Bucks are owed by the Clippers.
Next: Taj Gibson