After months of silence, some intel on what the Milwaukee Bucks might be plotting in the weeks leading up to the 2022 NBA trade deadline has been revealed. Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer gave some intriguing insider intel on what whispers are being heard from teams across the association, and surprisingly, the Bucks were prominently featured throughout. With that said, let us take a closer look at three rumored trade targets according to Fischer and decide whether they should pass on them or pursue them before February 10.
Should the Milwaukee Bucks pass or pursue rumored trade target Daniel Theis?
Fischer noted in his reporting that the Bucks are looking at centers on the trade market due to the uncertainty surrounding Brook Lopez. Of course, Lopez has been sidelined in all but one game this season due to back issues, and although there is reportedly some hope that he could return to the lineup this season, that is just speculation. As the Bucks await an update, Fischer reports that they have called the Houston Rockets to inquire about big man Daniel Theis.
On paper, Theis could help bolster Milwaukee’s frontcourt, though he is somewhat undersized at the center position at 6-foot-8. Still, the veteran big man is a solid rebounder and scorer, both of which could help the Bucks tremendously right now as they desperately need size. Theis is having a decent season with Houston by averaging 8.4 points and five rebounds in 22.5 minutes.
While Theis checks several boxes for the Bucks, his salary may be the ultimate turn-off for them. The 29-year-old is in the first season of a four-year deal worth $35.6 million, and his $8.9 million annual salary would be tough to acquire for the defending champs without giving up some crucial rotational piece, in all likelihood. The Bucks could find better production by another player on a cheaper deal elsewhere if they are indeed looking at trades for a center.