Assessing Bleacher Report’s George Hill trade for the Milwaukee Bucks

Why the Milwaukee Bucks make Bleacher Report’s trade with Memphis Grizzlies involving George Hill

After George Hill just had arguably the worst season of his 14-year career, the Milwaukee Bucks badly need to upgrade at the backup point guard position this offseason.

Despite playing 23.2 minutes on average this season, his most since 2017-18, the veteran guard struggled to contribute most nights. Hill averaged just 6.2 points per game, the second-worst in his career, and shot 30.6 percent from 3-point land, which was the worst percentage in his career, as he was a non-factor offensively most nights. In the playoffs, Hill scored a measly five points in 76 minutes, and for a team whose biggest issue was their scoring contributions from the bench, numbers like that will not get the job done. If the Bucks have a chance to move on from Hill, they should, and this deal with the Grizzlies gives them the opportunity to do so.

If the Bucks can acquire a second round pick, even if it is top-45 protected, for Hill, they must do it. This would allow them to shed his $4 million salary for next year and add another draft asset that may be useful in some capacity down the line. Getting that salary off the books could be huge for the Milwaukee Bucks, especially considering Hill’s lack of production.

Also, moving on from Hill would increase the team’s chances of re-signing Jevon Carter, who had a frustrating tenure after signing with the Bucks via the buyout market. Carter was far better than Hill last season, but coach Mike Budenholzer kept him on the sidelines while giving the latter all the minutes. With Hill on the roster, it seems likely that Carter will head elsewhere this offseason, which would be a shame, but if Hill is moved, the Bucks would have a better chance to keep him. The Bucks need an upgrade off the bench, and Carter would be the perfect long-term fit over Hill.