The Milwaukee Bucks are certainly a team to monitor leading up to the 2022 NBA trade deadline this coming Thursday. While they will not be making any seismic changes to the roster, the Bucks undoubtedly have some issues that need to be addressed before February 10. Instead of pitching more trade targets for the defending champs to pursue, let us take a closer look at three teams that Milwaukee’s front office should phone to inquire about one or more players via trade.
The Milwaukee Bucks should call the Orlando Magic before the 2022 NBA Trade Deadline
The Orlando Magic have been a popular proposed trade partner for the Bucks this season due to their assemblage of centers. Of course, Milwaukee has a gaping hole at the center position right now with Brook Lopez sidelined following a back procedure, and the champs could look to add a big man in the meantime. While they recently signed big man Greg Monroe to a 10-day contract, adding another center should still be on the to-do list, and the Magic have a few options.
The first target is Mo Bamba, who has been pegged as a dream acquisition for the Bucks at the deadline for many reasons. For one, he would immediately fill the void defensively left behind by Lopez due to his incredible shot-blocking ability, as the 23-year-old is currently fifth in the NBA in total blocked shots this season. In addition to his defense, Bamba would help the Bucks with their rebounding, providing another towering body down low at 7-feet-tall. Offensively, Bamba would be an intriguing fit with the champs as he is emerging as a solid outside shooter by knocking down a career-high 35.3 percent of his 3-point tries on an eye-catching 3.7 attempts per game.
While Bamba would be a fantastic addition to the Bucks, they may not have the assets to pull off a trade, given that the young center is having the best season of his career to date. If so, Milwaukee could pivot to another Magic center in Robin Lopez. A long-time NBA veteran and twin brother of Brook, Robin would be a feasible target for the Bucks to add some size to the interior. Though he is far from the flashiest target, the 7-foot Lopez could provide inside scoring and rebounding as the Bucks await positive news on his brother. He would be more obtainable than Bamba, as the Bucks could attempt to move two expiring veterans in Rodney Hood and Semi Ojeleye for him.
Although the Bucks are reportedly optimistic that Brook could return to the lineup at some point this season, having a quality center like Bamba or Lopez as insurance would be reasonable.