Like all championship contenders, the Milwaukee Bucks have not been afraid to push all of their chips to the center of the table and take risks to fight for the ultimate prize.
Whether it be handing massive extensions to both Giannis Antetokounmpo or Khris Middleton, or trading for Jrue Holiday and P.J. Tucker, this front office managed to win a championship last year due to their aggressiveness in constructing the roster. They have not been afraid to shake things up, and Bleacher Reports recently suggested a trade for Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers that would certainly be a drastic change for the defending champs. Before diving in, this proposal from the BR team is meant to be out of the box and something that does not look appealing on the surface, but could make sense with more thought.
The proposed Bleacher Report trade between the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers
For context, Simmons and the 76ers have been at a standstill over the past few months following the team’s early exit from the postseason. After being called out by teammates and coaches after his efforts in a Game 7 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, Simmons requested a trade from Philadelphia. After a brief holdout, Simmons reported to the 76ers but has yet to play in a game this season as he seemingly remains firm on his trade request. Right now, he is away from the team to focus on his mental health, but the 76ers continue to fine him due to his absence. The situation continues growing tenser, and everyone is waiting for a trade.
In this proposed Bleacher Report trade, which the article acknowledges is meant to be “ridiculous,” the Bucks would finally end the Simmons sage by straight up swapping him for Holiday. Obviously, this deal raises some immediate question marks, red flags, and objections. Rather than dish them all out here, let us take a closer look at the logic, the lunacy, and the overall verdict on whether or not the defending champions would even consider this deal.