Milwaukee Bucks: 3 reasons for pursuing a trade for Victor Oladipo
By Dalton Sell
Milwaukee Bucks: 3 reasons to pursue a Victor Oladipo trade – Affordability and value
One of the more apparent reasons that the rumors surrounding the Bucks and Chris Paul have died down recently is his price tag. Aside from the hefty amount of compensation and assets the Bucks would have to ship out to even get OKC’s attention, they would also have to bring in $85 million over the next two seasons for the 35-year-old point guard.
A player like Victor Oladipo, who will be on an expiring contract and comes with a $21 million salary, is far more affordable and that’s certainly more digestible for the Bucks. While that may pose questions regarding his long-term future with Milwaukee, this is an organization that is trying to win now with their long-term future surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo very uncertain at the moment.
Financially, a trade involving Eric Bledsoe and Donte DiVincenzo straight up works on paper for both sides, but the Bucks would undoubtedly have to sweeten the deal to fetch Indiana’s interest. That could prove challenging with the team’s limited assets, but Milwaukee’s general manager and one-time NBA Executive of the Year Jon Horst should not get counted out.
It is unlike the Bucks to swing for any top-tier stars on the trade market, but given everything that is at stake moving forward, it is time to flip the script. If Milwaukee is adamant about competing for a championship next season and making their long-term pitch towards Giannis Antetokounmpo, they need to bring in some top-tier talent alongside him.
Out of all the options that could be viable options available for trade this offseason, Oladipo and his contract have to be among the most desirable.