Milwaukee Bucks: 4 Small Forwards To Target At NBA Trade Deadline

Maurice Harkless

Mo Harkless is a 23-year-old forward who brings a balanced skill set that could fit with the Bucks perfectly. The 6’9″ small forward brings great length to position, with a very solid level of athleticism. This also allows him to play the power forward spot at times.

Harkless is an average three-point shooter, making only 35 percent of his long shots for his career to date. The St. John’s star plays some mean defense, averaging one block and one steal per game, and doesn’t need the ball in his hands very often.

He’d be a nice fit alongside Giannis, he doesn’t require a lot of attention on offense, but still stretches the floor, and provides the Bucks with another solid defender. He’ll be able to run shooters off the three-point line, which seems to be a great necessity in Milwaukee.

Perhaps his most intriguing quality, Harkless stepped his game up for the playoffs last season. The Trail Blazers needed another scoring option to present itself, and he did his best. Harkless’ numbers weren’t outrageously impressive as they were just slightly above his career average, but he just made plays when they were needed.

Of all the small forwards on the trade market, within the Bucks range anyway, he’s the best fit for the team. He’s still young, on a favorable contract. He signed a 4-year, $40 million contract just this offseason, so the Bucks would be picking him up for three additional years if they were to find a way to make a trade.

Next: Milwaukee Bucks: 5 Point Guards To Target At NBA Trade Deadline

If the Bucks were to squeeze him away from Portland, they’ll almost certainly need to give up a first round pick. Maybe, a future first round pick would be more in line, as they probably don’t want to give up a possible lottery pick in the deep 2017 draft.