Milwaukee Bucks: One bold prediction for every player
By Robby Cowles
John Henson
Prediction: Will be traded before the end of the year
Why it will happen: Since signing a four-year extension worth $44 million in 2015, Henson has been fine if unremarkable in Milwaukee. Injuries have hampered him, with last year being the first since his extension that he appeared in over 70 games.
Now, with the additions of Lopez and Ilyasova, the return of Zeller, the progression of Maker and emergence of Christian Wood, Henson and his contract have become dispensable. Sure, he’s still shown flashes of the defensive potential that always intrigued the Bucks, but his value to the team has dwindled.
His contract isn’t so bad so that it can’t be moved; he’s owed $11 million this year and $9 million next year, and can still be a contributing defensive big man off the bench for a contending team.
If DeMarcus Cousins struggles coming out of his surgery, the Golden State Warriors may have a need for an insurance big man. The Houston Rockets backup behind Clint Capela is Nene Hilario, who is entering his 18th season so the Rockets may need another big if age or injuries creep up on him.
The Lakers’ starting center is JaVale McGee, so they could probably use another one. Although they’d likely be very reticent to take on any salary after this season.
Whoever the team is, general manager Jon Horst has shown he’s not afraid to make a midseason trade (acquiring Bledsoe last season) and should be looking to dump Henson’s salary since his skills on the roster have become of less value.
Why it won’t happen: Lopez and Ilyasova may offer more than Henson on the court, but both are over 30 years old which can mean more injuries for their larger frames.
Plus, are Horst and Budenholzer comfortable with the backup big men just being Maker and Zeller or Wood? Hard to believe for a playoff-contending team. There are worse contracts than Henson’s and having a capable big man like him off the bench is a luxury in today’s NBA.