3 trade targets to bolster the Milwaukee Bucks’ frontcourt before deadline
By Dalton Sell
Trade targets for Milwaukee Bucks’ frontcourt – Mohamed Bamba
Despite Milwaukee’s rumored optimism that Lopez could return this season, adding a center as an insurance policy would not be the worst idea in the world. If so, one of the best targets for them to chase would be Mohamed Bamba, the 23-year-old center for the Orlando Magic.
After struggling to find his footing throughout his first three seasons in the league, Bamba has had a career-reviving fourth year as he is currently averaging 10.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. A significant portion of this production could be attributed to his opportunity as Bamba has finally been given a key role in the rotation, and he has caught some eyes in the process. Not only can he score the basketball at a decent level, but Bamba has quietly turned into a formidable shot-blocker as he is sixth in the league in total blocks this season with 66.
Bamba’s hypothetical fit with the Bucks is easy to understand. He would provide rim protection on the defensive end that the champs have lacked without Lopez this season, along with a knack for rebounding the basketball. Scouring the market for potential targets to give the Bucks another big man, there are few better options out there than Bamba. The biggest question is whether Orlando would be willing to part ways with the center before he hits restricted free agency this offseason.
With Bamba’s $7.6 million contract this season, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley proposed a deal recently that would see the Bucks send Donte DiVincenzo and Semi Ojelye to the Magic for him. That would be a no-brainer for Milwaukee, given the amount of talent they have at DiVincenzo’s position and how poorly Ojeleye has performed this year. Bleacher Report’s Jake L. Fischer noted on Thursday that the Magic are reportedly seeking a first round pick for Bamba. Although that may complicate things for the Bucks, he followed that up by saying that the price may drop down to two second rounders, which would be more doable for Milwaukee.