After coming up short in the 2022 NBA Playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks will have a long offseason ahead to make some tweaks to their roster.
As always, one of the most interesting parts of the offseason will be how they look to improve via the trade market. Although the Bucks are not rich with assets to make a move, they do have some resources, such as their 2022 first rounder and a surplus of second rounders, that could be worth shopping on the open market. The Bucks must not be complacent and need to push their chips to the center of the table to put themselves in the best position to win next season, and that involves being active on the trade market. With all that being said, let us look closer at five trade targets for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2022 offseason.
Royce O’Neale should be a trade target for the Milwaukee Bucks
Following a tough first round exit, there have been rumors swirling that the Utah Jazz may look to break up their two stars in Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. If Utah is looking to shake up their roster, the Milwaukee Bucks should not call about one of their two stars, but Royce O’Neale, a key role player that could make a massive difference for any contending team.
O’Neale, a 6-foot-4 forward, would immediately fill the sizeable gap on the wing that Milwaukee needs to address this offseason. Offensively, the 28-year-old would not be tasked with doing too much, but he has proven to be a solid shooter over the years, and the Bucks are always looking for more of that. Coming off a year where he shot a career-high 38.9 percent from three on four tries per contest, O’Neale would thrive in Milwaukee with the abundance of open looks. Defensively, he would help make the Bucks more formidable, giving them a tough and versatile forward to bulk up their lineups. O’Neale would fit perfectly alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and the rest of this Milwaukee roster.
If the Jazz are willing to listen to offers for O’Neale this offseason, the Bucks would have to make a pitch that allows them to absorb the forward’s $9.2 million salary for next year. Given what he can bring to the table for Milwaukee, that is an easily digestible salary, and the Bucks have the assets at their disposal to make a serious offer. It will ultimately hinge on what the Jazz decide to do this offseason, but if they are taking calls, general manager Jon Horst should reach out regarding their 28-year-old versatile small forward.