Milwaukee Bucks Roundtable: 2018 NBA Draft decisions
By Adam McGee
Q6. Are you expecting any additional deals from the Bucks on draft night, including possibly buying into the second round?
TK: I do expect the Bucks to buy into the second round as I think this draft is deep. Hawks and 76ers have picks in the 30s they might be willing to give away as they’re getting too many rookies otherwise. A potential deal I like is 17 and a future second rounder to Hawks for 19 and 34. We could also pick an undrafted player.
BR: As I touched on earlier, I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if the Bucks tried to buy a second rounder in hopes of acquiring a cheap guy who can contribute immediately in the mold of Malcolm Brogdon or Sterling Brown. With a tight cap situation and the Jabari Parker decision looming, cheap talent is all the more valuable for the Bucks. However, I wouldn’t expect a major deal of any kind.
BS: Please for the love of God, buy a second round pick. It’s smart business. For a tick over the price of a Vet Minimum, it would be scandalous if the Bucks left us hanging by not buying into the late second round.
JT: At a minimum, I have an inkling the Bucks will pick up an undrafted player on a training camp/non-guaranteed deal, much like they did with Bronson Koenig last year (though, we know how that ended up two months later).
As far as buying their way into the second round goes, I’m hopeful they will be able to land another pick deeper in the draft and there are a few teams that just have too many picks compared to roster spots available that would make ideal trade partners (i.e. the Hawks, the 76ers). But as is my custom, I won’t put any guarantee on that happening just yet.
WW: I’m not expecting much. If the Bucks haven’t been able to move a contract like Henson’s by now, it’s not going to happen, and I also do not think it is worth giving up the #17th pick. I don’t see a strong candidate for a trade-up target nor the assets required to justify such a move. A trade down would make sense given the glut of available wings grouped similarly, but I don’t foresee any trade partner. Buying a second round pick would be nice and worthwhile, but not a move that’ll have much sticking power.
AM: I’m predicting deals. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bucks trade down as their section of the draft is so fluid that their top targets may be available a few spots later. That may act as an avenue for picking up further assets, including a second round pick. Either way, I think a second round pick will be on the agenda, and they’ll try to buy in if a pick doesn’t otherwise present itself. Beyond that, an undrafted signing or two with a view to Summer League or taking a look at potential Wisconsin Herd additions would also seem likely.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks: 5 realistic options that may be taken 17th overall
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