
The Milwaukee Bucks should call the Los Angeles Clippers before the 2022 NBA Trade Deadline
The LA Clippers kicked off trade season with a bang this weekend when they pulled off a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers for Norman Powell and Robert Covington. This shocking move might not be the only move the Clippers have in store, as The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported recently that LA has made several veterans on their roster available in trades. The Bucks should inquire about a few household names on their roster if that is the case.
Milwaukee’s first call should be about Serge Ibaka, who O’Connor noted is among the players most available on the Clippers. The 6-foot-10 Ibaka would give the Bucks a versatile piece that can play either the power forward or center position, which would help him fit snugly in Milwaukee. Ibaka is known for his defense, and he would certainly help the Bucks in that regard by taking on opposing frontcourt players to alleviate pressure from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis.
If the Bucks are not high on Ibaka, a player that could be captivating is Covington. Though he just got traded there on Friday, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that several teams have called LA to discuss the possibility of swinging a trade for the forward. The Bucks should be among the bunch, given how Covington would shore up Milwaukee’s already formidable defense with another robust defend that can guard multiple positions. Covington would be the ideal candidate to fill the void left behind by P.J. Tucker’s departure, fortifying Milwaukee’s wing rotation in the process.
If the Clippers are not willing to move Covington, the Bucks could lastly pivot to Nicolas Batum, who they have registered previous interest in. The forward is having a solid season with LA by averaging 9.1 points while shooting a red-hot 41.4 percent from 3-point range. Not only would he help spark some life into Milwaukee’s second unit offensively, but Batum would also help on the defensive end as well with his 6-foot-8, 230lb stature that could be used against bigger players. He would also be the most reasonable financially among these three pieces in any possible trade.
The Bucks would be wise to contact any of these three teams before February 10.