Assessing Bleacher Report’s 3 trade deadline targets for Milwaukee Bucks

Bleacher Report’s realistic trade target for Milwaukee Bucks: Doug McDermott

This is not the first time sharpshooter Doug McDermott has been linked to the Bucks in some way, shape, or form. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported back in early 2020 that the Bucks contacted the Indiana Pacers about a trade for McDermott that would have involved Ersan Ilyasova. Though no deal ever materialized, perhaps Milwaukee’s previous interest could resurface two years later.

Given his prolific 3-point shooting, McDermott would be a seamless fit with this Milwaukee team. The Bucks have prioritized surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo with reliable perimeter shooting, and McDermott would fit the billing. The forward has shot a red-hot 40.8 percent on 3.3 attempts per game from 3-point range for his career, making a living in this league as a sharpshooter. Coach Mike Budenholzer would utilize McDermott similar to Bryn Forbes, Kyle Korver, and Grayson Allen as a catch-and-shoot 3-point threat for Milwaukee.

While McDermott would be an ideal target for the Bucks, calling him a realistic target might be a stretch. The 30-year-old forward is in the first year of a three-year deal worth $41.3 million, and his $13.6 million annual salary would be a tall order for them to take on. The Bucks would almost certainly have to trade away Lopez to get a deal done, and that is not something they would likely consider in a move like this. McDermott would fit better under the dream trade target section as a move like this is incredibly unlikely.