Assessing Clutch Points’ proposed trade targets for Milwaukee Bucks

Clutch Points’ first trade target for the Milwaukee Bucks: Robert Covington

The first trade target mentioned here is Robert Covington, a name that fans should be somewhat familiar with in trade rumors. The Bucks expressed interest in trading for the forward prior to the 2020-21 NBA season when he was a member of the Houston Rockets, but nothing ever came to fruition there, obviously. Should the champs make another run at the 30-year-old veteran? A deal would help in their title chase.

Covington’s calling card throughout his NBA career has been his robust defensive presence. He is known for defending every position one through five at a high level due to the versatility he brings to the table at 6-foot-7, 209lbs. The Bucks are a team that would put Covington’s ability to defend multiple positions to good use. With several defensive standouts such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Pat Connaughton in the fold, adding someone like Covington would help improve this already formidable defense mightily.

While his defense would be the main reason behind a trade, Covington would also bring another solid 3-point shooter into the mix. The eight-year NBA veteran has shot 35.9 percent from three on 6.3 attempts per game over his career, proving to be a decent high-volume 3-point marksman. Given how much the Buck emphasize letting it fly and spacing the floor offensively, Covington’s fit on the floor would never be in question.

If the Bucks managed to swing a trade Covington successfully, he would likely play the role that P.J. Tucker did throughout Milwaukee’s title run. That entails guarding the opposing team’s best player while knocking down the occasional 3-pointer. With household names like Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, and Jimmy Butler all trying to lead their teams out of the Eastern Conference this season, having an ever-versatile forward to help keep them contained would be a massive boost for the Bucks in a potential playoff series.

The most significant issue with any trade for Covington is his hefty salary, as he is on the books for just a tick under $13 million this season. The Bucks are limited financially and have a deleted asset assemblage from all their past moves, so a deal would be far easier said than done. Also, no one is sure what the Portland Trail Blazers – Covington’s current team – plan to do this season. They have gotten off to a turbulent start early, but it seems like they are unlikely to blow it up just yet. Still, it would make sense for the Bucks to keep an eye on the situation, although a deal for Covington will need some string-pulling.