Assessing The Athletic’s 2022 buyout targets for the Milwaukee Bucks

The Athletic’s buyout targets for the Milwaukee Bucks – Mike Muscala

For those who have been following closely, you will know that Mike Muscala is someone that this writer in particular has been high on as a potential target. While he could be easily attainable in a trade before the deadline, a buyout would work just as well to bulk up the frontcourt.

The 6-foot-10 Muscala is capable of playing either the power forward or center position, which would provide some much-needed versatility in these difficult times. While he would not bring much to the table defensively, Muscala could be a fantastic fit offensively as he is a marksman for a player of his size, shooting a career-best 43.3 percent from 3-point territory on 3.8 attempts per game this season. Sweet shooting like that would make him an ideal fit in lineups next to players like Antetokounmpo, who would benefit from having another reliable perimeter threat.

Muscala checks the boxes to be a fitting target for the Bucks, but it is questionable as to whether he could potentially be a buyout candidate. On the books for $3.5 million this season, his contract is affordable in any trades, and the OKC Thunder would like want to get something out of him if he finishes the season elsewhere. The Bucks could easily piece together a feasible trade to acquire him if that is indeed the case. Once again, that may depend on how Lopez is doing in his rehab, but Muscala would undoubtedly be a solid target to make a run at if the Bucks wanted to add size.

Keep an eye on these potential targets as the trade deadline inches closer.