3 last minute trade ideas for the Milwaukee Bucks before 2022 deadline
By Dalton Sell
Trade No. 2 – The Milwaukee Bucks improve their frontcourt depth
In their search for more frontcourt talent, the Bucks should call the OKC Thunder to inquire about two rotational pieces. Mike Muscala and Kenrich Williams could both be enticing trade targets for the Bucks to pursue, and the pair have been shrouded in trade rumors over the past few weeks as the deadline inches closer.
Amidst Milwaukee’s center issues this season, Muscala is a player that many fans have clamored for the team to sign. Though the big man is reportedly dealing with a stress fracture in his ankle, he certainly has not played like it and said it is something he can address once the season is over. While that might be worrisome, Muscala could be a fitting option to help right now.
The 6-foot-10 center would be a seamless fit with the Bucks offensively, as he has been a prolific outside shooter this season by knocking down a career-high 42.9 percent of his 3-point attempts this year. Floor spacing is always a plus with Milwaukee’s trade targets as it helps them fit better in lineups alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. Muscala fits the billing in that regard. He is also on the books for an affordable $3.5 million this season, making him a reasonable trade target for the cash-strapped Milwaukee Bucks.
As for Williams, he has carved out a role for himself over the past two seasons with the Thunder as a nice two-way player. The forward is averaging 7.7 points per contest while shooting a rather efficient 50.1 percent from the floor and 40.8 percent from three. Instant offense like that could be useful for a bench unit that has struggled like Milwaukee’s has. At 6-foot-6, the forward is also an incredibly versatile piece on the defensive end, and he would fit great alongside Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and more. Williams is making an extremely affordable $2 million with the Thunder this season.
Looking at a potential package, the Bucks can match salaries quite easily. While Hood and Ojeleye would be viewed as simply throw-ins, Jordan Nwora could be desirable for OKC. The second-year forward has shown glimpses of potential with the Bucks, but he has never received a consistent opportunity to show it. The rebuilding Thunder could give Nwora that chance and let him develop with their current young core, where his true potential could be unlocked.
The difficult part with this deal could come with the draft capital. As noted by B/R’s Jake Fischer, OKC has reportedly asked for a first round pick in exchange for Williams in trade negotiations to this point. The Bucks are quite limited with their firsts over the next several years, but perhaps an offering of two seconds and a promising young player in Nwora, along with two expiring veterans could be enough to at least entice general manager Sam Presti.