3 Milwaukee Bucks’ trade targets worth their first round pick in NBA Draft
By Dalton Sell
P.J. Washington would be worth the Milwaukee Bucks’ first round pick in a trade this offseason
Though the loss of P.J. Tucker was not the sole reason that the Milwaukee Bucks fell short in their goal of capturing consecutive championships, it certainly did not help. Tucker was the ideal power forward for the Bucks when they went to their small-ball lineups with Giannis Antetokounmpo at center, and they just did not have a player like that this season. Finding a power forward that can fit seamlessly in the lineup when Antetokounmpo plays center should be a priority this offseason, and one player that should be on Milwaukee’s radar is P.J. Washington.
On paper, Washington checks off the boxes for what the Bucks should be seeking with their next small-ball four. Defensively, Washington is a versatile player that can defend several positions as he stands at 6-foot-7 with a lengthy wingspan. Having a forward with that capability in the small lineups is a must, and although Washington will not be getting All-Defensive consideration in the near future, he is solid enough on that side of things. Offensively, Washington has shown signs of potential throughout his first three seasons by averaging 11.8 points while shooting 37.5 percent from three on 4.4 attempts per contest. Numbers like that should intrigue Milwaukee, given that Washington could give them a reliable threat on the perimeter while also being another scorer.
Washington’s $5.8 million salary for next season also makes him an attractive trade target for the Bucks this offseason, given their financial restraints. The most prominent question mark involving Washington is his trade availability and whether the Charlotte Hornets will look to deal him when the offseason begins. Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported that Washington was a likely trade candidate at the deadline this past season, but the Hornets ultimately kept him. If Charlotte will listen to offers for the forward this offseason, the Bucks should make an offer, even if it includes their first round pick. While many have clamored for the Milwaukee Bucks to utilize that pick in the draft to add an impact player, moving the pick for Washington would also allow them to do that.