Following an incredibly eventful trade deadline, the focus league-wide will now shift to the buyout market as teams look to improve their rosters even further. The Milwaukee Bucks will certainly be among the teams looking to add some reinforcements, and it appears that there already may be a specific target in mind, at least potentially.
That would be Goran Dragić, who was traded from the Toronto Raptors to the San Antonio Spurs on the day of the deadline. As reported by ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Dragić and the Spurs are expected to negotiate a contract buyout, and the Bucks are expected to be among the teams interested in pursuing his services. Given the current state of Milwaukee’s guard rotation, adding a household piece like Dragić would be a significant boost for the Bucks.
Why the Milwaukee Bucks would be wise to pursue Goran Dragić
First and foremost, Milwaukee’s bench has been far from good this season. They are among the least-productive second units in the NBA as they are currently 29th in points, 29th in assists, and 25th in rebounds per game. Numbers like that are bad enough as is, but things are destined to get worse if the Bucks do not add some reinforcements due to the current circumstances surrounding the reserves.
Pat Connaughton and George Hill are both currently sidelined with injuries, and no timetable has been given on a return for either. With their two leading bench scorers sidelined, the Bucks will be needing points to come from somewhere. Typically, Milwaukee would rely on Donte DiVincenzo in this situation, but the guard was dealt at the trade deadline and is no longer with the organization. The same goes for Rodney Hood and Semi Ojeleye, who were both moved to help the Bucks get a new backup big man in Serge Ibaka.
With their depth gutted, the Bucks will have to rely heavier on pieces such as Jordan Nwora and Wesley Matthews for the time being. However, they do have the opportunity to bring in some help from the outside after their deal for Ibaka helped open up several roster spots that need filling in a hurry. Due to the team’s current depth crisis, particularly at the guard position, Dragić would be an incredibly significant addition to this bench unit.
Over his last two healthy seasons with the Miami Heat, Dragić averaged 14.9 points, 3.3 boards, and 4.8 assists in 27.5 minutes per game. The backup point guard served as an essential second unit spark for those Miami teams, and he could be just what Milwaukee needs. Dragić would give the Bucks another ball-handler off the bench that can score, shoot, rebound, and facilitate at the highest level. The Bucks simply do not have a player that is capable of doing that right now, and they must address it before it is too late. Adding a seasoned veteran in Dragic could solve many problems for this bench.
There are some Bucks fans that are hesitant to see why the defending champions should bring in Dragić, largely due to his past feud with the team. Dragić became something of a rival following a pair of postseason clashes between the Bucks and Heat, but that should not deter them from the idea of adding him to this team. At the end of the day, the Bucks are trying to win a championship, and Dragić is a piece that could help them do that, especially with their current issues.
Wojnarowski released another reporting last night stating that Dragić could be bought out as early as next week and that there are a handful of contenders looking to go after him. While they will face some stiff competition in getting the veteran’s signature, the Bucks must make a run at him.
Stay tuned to find out if Dragić indeed chooses Milwaukee as his next playing destination.