Milwaukee Bucks: Five realistic trade targets for team to pursue
By Dalton Sell
Second realistic trade target for the Milwaukee Bucks — Nemanja Bjelica, Sacramento Kings
The Bucks are seemingly looking to add some size in the frontcourt, and Nemanja Bjelica appears to be high on their radar.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania ($$) reported last Thursday that the Bucks are one of several contending teams in the mix for the 32-year-old’s services. After primarily being a starter for the Sacramento Kings in the previous two seasons, Bjelica has become obsolete in head coach Luke Walton’s rotation.
In just 19 appearances, the forward has averaged 8.5 points on .483/.333/.789 shooting splits, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in just 18 minutes per game. With a more prominent role, Bjelica could help boost any contending team’s bench up their scoring load, including Milwaukee’s. Shooting 39 percent from 3-point territory over his six-year career, the forward always provides a hefty dose of floor spacing that this team could use.
The financial specifics are where things could get tricky for Milwaukee in trying to make a deal. On the books for $7.2 million this season, the Bucks would have to match that salary. That is not easily done without giving up one of D.J. Augustin, Brook Lopez, or Pat Connaughton, putting the team in a tough spot.
However, if they can work out a deal with the Kings, Bjelica could be a compelling target to bring in off the bench. Milwaukee’s second unit has been a mixed bag this year, and perhaps bringing in some reinforcements could help boost their production.