Assessing a Milwaukee Bucks’ trade package for Jalen Smith

The logic behind this Jalen Smith trade for the Milwaukee Bucks

No matter how optimistic the Bucks are that Lopez will be back this season, adding some size to fill the void momentarily is worth doing. Though Bobby Portis and Giannis Antetokounmpo have done an excellent job of manning the center duties, teams have taken advantage of the Bucks in instances where these two are off the floor. Someone like Smith could help patch this hole in the roster for the time being.

While he is largely inexperienced at just 21-years-old in his second NBA season, the potential is there for Smith to carve out a role for himself with the Bucks. He has shown glimpses of scoring and rebounding talent throughout his first two years, but the big man has never gotten them on a consistent basis. Smith has averaged just 9.6 minutes per game since being drafted 10th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Suns, and perhaps he just needs an opportunity. He could get a chance to showcase what he brings to the table as a member of this shorthanded Milwaukee team.

This particular package would be a steal for the Bucks. Fischer noted in his reporting that Ojeleye is available for trade, which should not be a surprise whatsoever. The forward has fallen out of the rotation completely this season, and if the Bucks can get him off the books, they will. Hood is also not featured in the rotation when Milwaukee is near full strength, so including him is justifiable. The inclusion of the second round pick is the true prize here, as the Suns would almost certainly want draft compensation for the center.