After being knocked out of the NBA Playoffs earlier than many hoped, the Milwaukee Bucks will have some work to do once the offseason officially begins.
Among the most glaring needs for the Bucks is addressing their lack of help in the second unit, as their bench was among their weakest attributes this year. One player that played a significant part in that was George Hill, who had a disappointing year in his return to Milwaukee for a second stint. Many have clamored for the Bucks to move Hill this offseason, given that he is under contract for next season. One person who is seemingly of this belief is Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, as he recently proposed a trade that would see the Bucks ship the point guard to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Bleacher Report’s George Hill trade between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Memphis Grizzlies
Swartz’s proposed deal between the Bucks and Grizzlies, two teams that have some familiarity with one another from last season’s Grayson Allen deal, is sweet and simple. George Hill and his $4 million salary would go to Memphis in exchange for a 2024 second rounder. When looking at the circumstances for both teams, this could potentially be a quick and easy trade that benefits both Milwaukee and Memphis next season.
With that being said, let us look at the trade from both sides by assessing why both the Bucks and the Grizzlies would consider it, as well as a final verdict on Swartz’s trade proposal.
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.
Why the Memphis Grizzlies make Bleacher Report’s trade with Milwaukee Bucks involving George Hill
Following an impressive season that saw them boast the second seed in the Western Conference, the Memphis Grizzlies will have some tough decisions to make this offseason. Depending on how things go regarding their backcourt, the Milwaukee Bucks could possibly lend them a helping hand once free agency eventually begins.
Among the most prominent questions the Grizzlies will have to answer this offseason is what the front office will do with Tyus Jones. Jones proved to be one of the best backup point guards in the NBA this past season as he had a career year, but that strong play may have catapulted him out of Memphis’ price range with free agency approaching. If Jones were to leave, the Grizzlies would be in the market for a new backup point guard, and Hill is a recognizable name that could potentially be worth taking a closer look at.
At 35-years-old, Hill’s best days are behind him, there is no doubt about that. However, that does not mean he could not be a serviceable backup that does not turn the ball over and is still a quality defender on most nights. Perhaps he could provide some mentorship to Ja Morant, who is on the rise to superstardom as one of the league’s top point guards. Truly, the asking price is nothing too significant either, as a top-45 protected second round pick in 2024 is rather low risk, especially if it fills a position of need with a household veteran. With a $4 million salary for next year, Hill would not be too pricey of an acquisition compared to what they might pay for other guards.
Ultimately, it will hinge on what happens with Jones in free agency, but if he leaves, this offer may be just what the Grizzlies need to get a replacement without breaking the bank.
Final thoughts on Bleacher Report’s proposed trade between Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies for George Hill
If this deal is on the table, the Milwaukee Bucks need to pounce on it as soon as they are given the green light to make trades.
Hill had a subpar year by all accounts, and considering that Milwaukee’s bench woes were among the team’s notable concerns this season, keeping him would not fix that problem whatsoever. The proposed deal would allow the Bucks to move Hill and find a suitable backup that can contribute more consistently on the offensive side of the ball. Sure, one could call Hill’s down year with the Bucks an outlier simply because he has been among the most serviceable backups for a long time, but there is no guarantee that he will automatically bounce back next season.
Whether that is by keeping someone internal such as Jevon Carter or surveying the upcoming free agent market for a scorer like Dennis Schroder, there will be no shortage of ball-handlers available this offseason, and the Bucks should look to get one before it is too late. Whether it comes in free agency, trades, or even the 2022 NBA Draft, where Milwaukee will have a rare first rounder, there is an opportunity there for the Bucks to upgrade their backup point guard position, and it starts with them moving Hill elsewhere.
Stay tuned to see how the Milwaukee Bucks may go about addressing their backup point guard position this offseason.