The Milwaukee Bucks are right in the thick of trade speculation this offseason, and it is time to rank some potential candidates.
With the NBA reportedly eyeing a December 22nd start date for the 2020-21 season, these will an eventful next few weeks for the Milwaukee Bucks.
The team has been heavily involved in trade speculation since their disappointing postseason run, and there has been no shortage of rumors floating around. ESPN’s Zach Lowe released an offseason preview piece several days ago, and updates on current trade targets for Milwaukee were prevalent throughout.
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Based on Lowe’s reporting and previous updates, here is a ranking of five potential trade targets for the Milwaukee Bucks ahead of a crucial 2020-21 season.
Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
A number of links have surfaced between the Bucks and the Pacers that center around two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo and ESPN’s Zach Lowe had the latest on this front:
"“The Bucks are also eyeing Indiana’s Victor Oladipo, though no substantive talks with the Pacers have taken place, sources say. Other teams are monitoring the Oladipo situation, but several of them would like to see Oladipo in action before engaging Indiana, sources say.”"
Teams are justifiably cautious when it comes to discussing Oladipo, given the uncertainty surrounding his health after suffering a ruptured quad tendon in January of 2019.
Limited to just 19 seasons because of the injury, Oladipo understandably looked out of practice. The guard averaged 14.5 points on .394/.317/.814 shooting splits, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. With such a limited sample size, Oladip will be a gigantic gamble for any team that has their eye on him this offseason.
On an expiring $21 million salary for next season, acquiring Oladipo is relatively affordable for the Bucks compared to some other high-end targets, but health is the most prominent concern. After such a significant injury, there are concerns as to whether Victor Oladipo can return to his All-NBA form, and the Bucks will take that into account.