The 2022 NBA Trade Deadline is exactly one week away, and after a quiet regular season thus far, the rumors are starting to heat up with the Milwaukee Bucks. While the defending champions will likely not be making any sizeable moves, recent rumors suggest that they could take an aggressive approach to upgrade the roster with some smaller-scale moves. With that said, let us round up the latest rumblings as the deadline inches closer.
The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly looking to add another big man and a wing before the 2022 NBA Trade Deadline
Due to the uncertainty surrounding Brook Lopez’s return, many have clamored for the Bucks to add another center before the trade deadline. The champs desperately need another big body on the roster right now, and Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer notes that the Bucks are indeed sniffing around the trade market for a center. He adds that they have called the Houston Rockets about veteran center Daniel Theis, and another player linked to them is Jalen Smith of the Phoenix Suns. While there might be some better options before the deadline, it will be interesting to see if the Bucks make a legitimate run at either of these players.
In addition to having rumored interest in Theis and Smith, Fischer reported that the Bucks are among several teams that have called about Cedi Osman of the Cleveland Cavaliers. They should prioritize adding a center before another wing, but a player like Osman could be a great boost to have in the second unit. Osman’s 10.7 points per game could help Milwaukee’s bench, which ranks 29th in points per contest this season.
The Milwaukee Bucks are open to moving backup power forward Semi Ojeleye, have received interest in Pat Connaughton before the 2022 NBA Trade Deadline
In a rather unsurprising turn of events, Fischer reported that the Bucks have made Semi Ojeleye available in trades. The forward will not have a vibrant market, given his subpar play this season that has caused him to fall out of Milwaukee’s rotation entirely. Perhaps the Bucks could look to get cash considerations for him in any potential trade.
While not too many teams will be calling about Ojeleye, Fischer reported that Pat Connaughton is generating interest from opposing teams. It seems reasonable to believe that the Bucks will keep Connaughton beyond the deadline, given how important he has been for them this season, along with how well he played in last year’s playoffs. He is someone this team needs and that the other teams would love to have.
The Milwaukee Bucks could keep Donte DiVincenzo unless they get a fitting piece in return before the 2022 NBA Trade Deadline
What everyone truly wants to know is what the Bucks plan on doing with Donte DiVincenzo before the trade deadline. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto dropped some interesting information regarding how the Bucks are handling the situation, noting that while plenty of teams are calling about him, the Bucks will not be dealing the 25-year-old without a proper return.
"“Donte DiVincenzo has drawn considerable trade interest from teams around the league, sources told HoopsHype. Milwaukee isn’t going to move him unless they get a good young player or someone that’s going to help them win this season.”"
This is the right approach, given that DiVincenzo is Milwaukee’s best young asset, and they should not be looking to just give him away for nothing. While that is not surprising, it was shocking when Scotto reported that the Bucks tried to extend DiVincenzo before the season and that they are still interested in keeping him beyond this season, despite having Grayson Allen signed on. That seems like a head-scratching move, but only time will tell how things truly pan out.
Stay tuned for the latest trade updates for the Milwaukee Bucks.