Assessing Clutch Points’ Montrezl Harrell trade for the Milwaukee Bucks

The logic behind Clutch Points’ Montrezl Harrell trade for Milwaukee Bucks

Obviously, the biggest reason why the Bucks would even consider making a move for Harrell is the absence of starting center Brook Lopez. The big man has missed practically the entire season with back issues, and there is still no timetable for his return yet. Although there have been countless other centers linked to the Bucks because of this predicament, Harrell may be among the most high-profile targets.

With the champs undermanned at the center position right now, Harrell could come in and provide his share of quality minutes at the position to give both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis a much-needed breather. That was the main job for DeMarcus Cousins, but the Bucks waived him last month before his contract would have been guaranteed for the remainder of the season. With Cousins out of the picture and the Bucks being exploited with their smaller lineups, they need a new backup center fast.

The 2019-20 Sixth Man of the Year Winner has consistently been a productive bench piece by averaging 15.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and a blocked shot over the past four seasons. Numbers like that could work wonders for Milwaukee’s bench, given that they rank 29th in points, 29th in assists, and 23rd in rebounds per game this season. Adding a second unit sparkplug such as Harrell would undoubtedly help bump those numbers up a few ticks.

The trade package itself is also a reasonable one for Milwaukee to some degree, as dealing away Donte DiVincenzo seems like a genuine possibility for the Bucks before the deadline. The guard is arguably their best young asset, and perhaps the Wizards could see him as an attractive piece to snag before he hits restricted free agency this coming offseason. The inclusion of both Hood and Ojeleye would just be for salary purposes, as those two have underperformed this season and will come off the books right when the season closes.