With less than a month until the 2022 NBA trade deadline, everyone is keeping a close eye on how the Milwaukee Bucks may look to improve their roster.
One player that has been caught up in a flurry of rumors and speculation in the months leading up to this point has been Donte DiVincenzo, who is no stranger to such things. It all started when the guard was believed to be heading to the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade for sharpshooting two-guard Bogdan Bogdanovic during the 2020 offseason. However, that deal fell apart because of tampering rules, which landed DiVincenzo back in Milwaukee for the 2020-21 season.
Where do Donte DiVincenzo and the Milwaukee Bucks stand leading up to the 2022 NBA trade deadline next month?
In the present day, DiVincenzo finds himself in an incredibly awkward position with the franchise that drafted him. As the guard recovered from season-ending ankle surgery this past offseason, the Bucks traded for what some believe to be DiVincenzo’s replacement in Grayson Allen, whom they immediately handed a contract extension as well. In the five games he has played in since returning in December, DiVincenzo has fought for minutes off the bench with Pat Connaughton and Wesley Matthews. Moving forward, he may be the odd man out as the rotation shrinks as Allen has found his niche as a starter, while Connaughton and Matthews have both played vital roles for the champs this season.
If the Bucks are looking to make any moves before the deadline, moving DiVincenzo seems like it would be feasible. Set to hit restricted free agency following the season, the Bucks made it clear that they may not want to pay the guard after they handed Allen big money. Considering that a team can acquire those rights and get a 24-year-old that has shown glimpses of potential since coming into the league in 2018, DiVincenzo could be Milwaukee’s most desirable trade asset this season. It would make sense for the champs to consider moving him in the right deal, and here are three packages that could fit the billing.
First Donte DiVincenzo trade package for the Milwaukee Bucks
This deal was proposed in a piece published earlier this week regarding packages that could help the Bucks land Dennis Schröder from the Boston Celtics.
With George Hill struggling to get into a groove and the entire bench unit failing to produce most nights, the Bucks could look to make a significant splash by trading for an upgrade at the backup point guard position. Schröder has been solid for the Celtics this season by averaging 16.1 points and 4.5 assists per contest, both of which are areas where the Bucks need help. The second unit currently ranks 29th in both points and assists per game, numbers that have both caused ample amounts of concern throughout the season. Moving Hill to get an immediate upgrade would be a feasible move, especially with the Celtics potentially open to trade offers for Schröder.
If it also requires moving DiVincenzo, it could be worth it as not only would the Bucks land a former Sixth Man of the Year candidate, but they would also add more size off the bench with Juancho Hernangómez. Of course, the Bucks have had their issues down low this season with Brook Lopez missing all but one game due to back soreness. While DeMarcus Cousins initially seemed like he could be the piece to give the Bucks size off the bench behind Bobby Portis, his stint in Milwaukee abruptly ended earlier this month after he was waived. Hernangómez could give the Bucks a 6-foot-9 forward off the bench to help with these issues in Lopez’s absence.
Ultimately, this move would be about bolstering the bench with two players that could make an immediate difference if brought aboard.
Second Donte DiVincenzo trade package for the Milwaukee Bucks
With Lopez’s return uncertain this season, targeting someone like Mohamed Bamba would be a justifiable move by the Bucks. According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the Orlando Magic are reportedly asking for a first round pick in exchange for the center, although rival teams speculate that their asking price may dip to two second round picks. The latter demand would make Bamba a far more reasonable frontcourt target for the defending champs.
Sending out DiVincenzo and Semi Ojeleye is enough to match Bamba’s $7.5 million salary, while the two second rounders would hopefully be enough to convince the Magic to do the deal. Bamba would immediately improve Milwaukee’s interior defense without Lopez, giving them a formidable shot-blocking big man and a legitimate backup center off the bench that they can trust in the time when Portis needs a breather. In the middle of a career year, Bamba is currently averaging a stellar 10.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game.
Though DiVincenzo and Ojeleye have both played somewhat prominent roles when healthy this season, the Bucks have similar pieces around them that could fill in. What they do not have is a legitimate backup big man off the bench, as rookie Sandro Mamukelashvili is not someone who they will trust in long stretches. Bamba could be the answer until Lopez potentially makes his return this season. If Lopez cannot return for whatever reason, having someone like Bamba would make a massive difference.
Third Donte DiVincenzo trade package for the Milwaukee Bucks
The Indiana Pacers appear ready to tear apart their roster before the trade deadline. As reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Bob Kravitz (subscription required) earlier this season, the Pacers could be heading toward a rebuild and could trade away the critical pieces on their roster in the coming weeks. Though the Bucks will not reel in any of the big fish, they could make a move for a sparkplug off the bench in Justin Holiday.
Justin, brother of Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, has found his niche with the Pacers over the last three seasons by averaging 9.6 points while shooting 41.5 percent from the floor and 38.4 percent from 3-point range. The swingman could provide an instant offensive boost off Milwaukee’s bench with his scoring and shooting. In his time with the Pacers, Holiday has averaged 5.7 3-point attempts per game, letting it fly with confidence. Given that he has connected on nearly 40 percent of those, sweet-shooting like that would make him a seamless fit in this Milwaukee offense.
As mentioned in the Schröder section, the Bucks need a spark off the bench. Holiday could provide just what they need with his instant offense while playing serviceable defense. To get him, it would require sending out both DiVincenzo and Ojeleye once again to take on Holiday’s $6 million contract this season. If the Pacers are legitimately aiming to rebuild soon, DiVincenzo could be a solid piece to add for the future.
Perhaps the defending champions could look to strike up a deal with their Central Division rival.