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The Buck Stops Here Roundtable #6: Extensions, Injuries and Trades

By Tim Wray

Nov 4, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34), guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) and forward Khris Middleton during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 91-87. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34), guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) and forward Khris Middleton during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 91-87. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

The absence of Khris Middleton for a significant amount of the 2016-17 season leaves a gaping hole in Milwaukee’s rotation. Who are some potential free agency or trade targets the Bucks should be looking at to fill the void in minutes between shooting guard and small forward?

JH: If the Bucks can get ANYTHING positive in return for Greg Monroe I would do it. The problem is if they could do that it would have happened already. One thing that would be a bad idea is trading away pieces that might be useful in the future for a one year rental that may or may not replace Khris’ impact. It is very likely that a frantic trade will result in Milwaukee giving up more than they get back.

RK: J.R. Smith is the best available shooting guard in free-agency. However, the money he is commanding is much more than the Bucks can offer him. It is possible to get to the $14 million range if the Bucks salary dump Greg Monroe, but would it be worth it? Smith has played okay for the Cavaliers the last year and a half, but he has a reputation of being a bad locker room presence, which is not the best for the young core. Also, it is highly unlikely that Smith signs anywhere besides Cleveland.

AM: Echoing what John said, not panicking needs to be top priority, but that’s not to say there aren’t low risk flyers that could be worth taking. Guys like Ben McLemore, P.J. Tucker and Robert Covington all stand out to me, but they need to avoid making a deal just to make a deal. See how the season starts maybe and then go from there.

JT: I’m pretty much with John and Adam on this one. Again, finding a replacement for Khris Middleton is an impossible task and while the Bucks will now be turning to players who have their fair share of strengths and weaknesses to fill Middleton’s minutes, it’s best to see what you have within your team first before you make any decision that would affect your roster.

TW: *See Above*

There isn’t a realistic quick-fix to replace the production of Khris Middleton, so please Bucks, don’t make a rash decision.

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