3 trade rumors the Milwaukee Bucks should steer clear of before deadline

With less than two weeks until the 2022 NBA trade deadline, rumors are all over the place, but the Milwaukee Bucks have not been featured in too many.

Whether the defending world champs are operating quietly or just do not have plans to make any sizeable splashes before the February 10 deadline, things are relatively quiet in Milwaukee right now. However, given the front office’s aggressive approach to improving the roster over the past several seasons, that quietness could change in a hurry. With all that said, if general manager and former Executive of the Year Jon Horst is indeed doing his due diligence around the NBA, here are three trade rumors he should avoid before the deadline.

The Milwaukee Bucks should avoid Julius Randle trade rumors

After a massive bounce-back season last year, the New York Knicks have struggled to replicate that success this season. Much of that has to do with the regression of Julius Randle, who had his best season to date last year by earning his first All-Star and All-NBA nod while also being named the NBA’s 2020-21 Most Improved Player. Rather than taking another step forward, Randle has not lived up to expectations in 2021-22, and according to SNY’s Ian Begley, New York could be open to dealing him before the deadline.

While some, including Clutch Points’ Nihad Žunić, believe that the Bucks would be wise to take a swing on the All-Star, this is one that they should avoid for several reasons. Though Randle would help the Bucks tremendously while they currently maneuver through significant frontcourt issues as Brook Lopez remains on the sidelines following back surgery, the forward would be far from the best on-court fit with the champs.

Aside from an outlier year last season where he shot 41.1 percent from three, Randle is a subpar 3-point shooter, knocking down just 33.3 percent of his career triples. Given how much this team embraces their big men letting it fly from behind the arc, Randle would be a very awkward fit with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Also, given how many shots Randle commands a game, he could disrupt team chemistry by taking away touches from Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday, which could be detrimental to a championship contender this late in the season.

In addition to his fit and how adding him might impact team chemistry, the Bucks would also have to consider Randle’s hefty salary in any trade. The forward is making $18.9 million this season and has an upcoming extension set to kick in worth $117 million over the next four seasons. Numbers like that make it tough to envision that the champs would even consider trading for the All-Star, as they would likely have to include Lopez, which is unrealistic.

While some believe Randle would help, the Bucks should not pursue the reigning M.I.P.