Trade motivation
Considering the 76ers and Raptors’ acquisitions of Tobias Harris and Marc Gasol respectively, there can be no doubting a major motivating factor in this deal was the Bucks’ desire to consolidate their already strong position at the top of the Eastern Conference.
Considering the assets Horst had to work with, what’s most impressive about the scope of this deal is that it holds the potential to be the most impactful of those three.
A Bucks’ team that was by no means devoid of flexibility in terms of spacing and small-ball options, hasn’t just added another player capable of boosting those options further, but one of the most skilled players of that mold generally.
If the questions about the Bucks’ ability to keep Brook Lopez on the floor in playoff matchups prove to be of merit — and it should be said, there has been little to suggest they are valid so far — then they can turn to a smaller, more versatile player who is similarly experienced and talented.
Outside of that, Mirotic can fit into a wide range of lineups with the Bucks, both big and small. Milwaukee now has more options than ever to improve spacing around relative non-shooters such as Antetokounmpo and Eric Bledsoe. They also now have another excellent rebounder, and an underrated playmaker for his position.
The Bucks were already a really good team, but the path to great is only more visible following this deal. If Mike Budenholzer shortens his rotation for the playoffs, he can take his pick from experienced veterans such as Mirotic, Ilyasova, George Hill, and Tony Snell, or he can turn to highly promising youngsters such as Wilson and Sterling Brown. This doesn’t even include whoever the Bucks decide to snap up on the buyout market.
As some of their rivals scramble around for depth, the Bucks’ wealth of options appear increasingly absurd.