Assessing Bleacher Report’s Mike Muscala trade for Milwaukee Bucks
By Dalton Sell
The logic in Bleacher Report’s Mike Muscala trade for Milwaukee Bucks
In a world full of head-scratching trade ideas, this proposal for Muscala is one of the better ideas for the Bucks. Of course, the Bucks could use another center on the roster right now as they wait for the potential return of starting big man Brook Lopez. Milwaukee’s man in the middle has been sidelined for all but one game this season due to back issues, and although they are optimistic he could be back at some point this year, shoring up their depth would be wise momentarily.
The 6-foot-10 Muscala would provide another big body for the Bucks to alleviate hefty minutes from Bobby Portis and Giannis Antetokounmpo at the position. Although Muscala would not be the ideal rim protector and shot blocker that the Bucks would like, he would bring some electric offense to the table in Milwaukee. The eight-year veteran is currently hitting a new career-high 42.9 percent from three on 3.8 attempts per game, lighting it up from the outside on a nightly basis. Sweet shooting like that would make Muscala an easy fit with the Bucks, who are known to encourage their big men to let it fly.
Looking at the trade package itself, it is beyond reasonable for Milwaukee. Hood has not played a key role in the rotation lately, and if the team could move him for a player at a position of need, it should be a no-brainer. Fischer noted in his aforementioned reporting that the Bucks have made Ojeleye available in trade talks as he has also fallen out of the rotation. The second round pick in this deal is what would truly get the wheels turning, as OKC’s front office has been hoarding draft picks whenever they can over the past few years. If they could add another second for Muscala, it may satisfy the Thunder enough to trade him.
Overall, there are plenty of reasons to love this proposed package for Muscala.