Grading the Milwaukee Bucks’ trade deadline deal for Serge Ibaka
By Dalton Sell
The final grade and assessment of the Milwaukee Bucks trade for Serge Ibaka
This is a great move for the Bucks on all fronts. They traded one rotational piece and two veterans that were not getting consistent minnutes for a backup center they desperately needed, a pair of future second round picks, and cash. That is just some outright masterful work from Milwaukee’s former Executive of the Year winner.
Sure, Ibaka is not a needle-tipper for the champs, but he patches a bleeding hole in their roster at this point in the season. Although the Bucks are rumored to be optimistic that Lopez could be back in the lineup at some point this season, it is tough to speculate with back injuries, especially when it happens to a 34-year-old center. Ibaka has dealt with some injuries of his own over the past two seasons, but he appears healthy now. If he can simply be serviceable until Lopez’s hopeful return, Ibaka will be a great addition to Milwaukee’s frontcourt.
Not only was getting Ibaka great, but the picks and cash could come in handy down the road, and that goes without mentioning Milwaukee’s roster situation now. The Bucks had one vacant roster spot before the deal, and after sending these three out and acquiring Ibaka, they now have three open roster spots they can fill in the buyout market, which could heat up awfully fast. Depending on who Milwaukee brings in off a buyout, this deal could look better than it already does for them, which is saying something.
Welcome to Milwaukee, Serge!
BTBP Final Grade: A
Next. 5 post trade deadline buyout targets for Milwaukee Bucks to monitor. dark
Stay tuned for updates on what the Bucks will do in the buyout market over the next few days.