Instant reactions to the Milwaukee Bucks trading Donte DiVincenzo

It seemed like it would be a coin flip whether or not the Milwaukee Bucks would trade away their best young asset in Donte DiVincenzo before the February 10 NBA Trade Deadline. Well, following several months of rumors and speculation, the answer has finally been revealed.

As first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bucks have agreed to trade DiVincenzo to the Sacramento Kings in a four-team deal. The Bucks sent out Rodney Hood and Semi Ojeleye to the LA Clippers in the same deal, while receiving Serge Ibaka from the LA Clippers. There is plenty to unpack with this move, but let us start by simply reacting to the Bucks finally moving on from DiVincenzo after all the rumors leading up to the deadline.

Instant reactions to the Milwaukee Bucks trading Donte DiVincenzo

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported last week that the Bucks would not be moving DiVincenzo if they were not getting an impact player in return. This move fits the billing as not only did they add a quality backup big man to play while they await Brook Lopez’s return, but they also added a pair of second round picks and opened up several roster spots by moving Hood and Ojeleye while also getting cash. This is a great deal for the Bucks and one that will help them immediately.

As for the team moving on from their former 17th overall pick, it is not surprising. Coming back in December from season-ending ankle surgery, DiVincenzo had struggled mightily to find his footing in Milwaukee’s rotation. With Milwaukee having a loaded two-guard rotation with Grayson Allen, Pat Connaughton, and Wesley Matthews, DiVincenzo’s playing time was down significantly. If the Bucks were going to trade him, it always seemed like it would be for a frontcourt piece, given that they were short on bodies there.

While it will sting for some to see DiVincenzo go, this is exactly what he needed. After the botched sign and trade during the 2020 offseason, ironically to the Kings, DiVincenzo has been shrouded in trade rumors. With his impending restricted free agency coming up once this season ends, it was always far-fetched to believe the Bucks would keep him, especially after Allen signed an extension right after Milwaukee traded for him last offseason. The writing has been on the wall, and now it has come to fruition.

After seeing his struggles this season, a fresh start will do DiVincenzo good. The Kings clearly see something in him, and perhaps they wanted to bring him in before he enters restricted free agency to give themselves the best chance at signing him. Whatever the case might be, this is a justifiable move for the Bucks to move DiVincenzo for a household big man.

As for moving Hood and Ojeleye, it is entirely justifiable as both players had fallen entirely out of head coach Mike Budenholzer’s rotation. Moving them will give general manager Jon Horst more flexibility as he works to make more trades or prepare for the ensuing buyout market.

Stay tuned for any more Bucks rumors over the next few hours.