3 dream trade targets for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2022 NBA offseason

The NBA offseason is nearing, so it is time to look at some hypothetical trade targets that could help the Milwaukee Bucks bounce back next season.

Though the Bucks will not have the richest asset stash to utilize, general manager Jon Horst has a track record of being aggressive in trades, and that should not cease this offseason. This team has several clear holes that were on display throughout their 12-game playoff run before falling to the Boston Celtics in seven games, and they will have an opportunity to patch them up this offseason. Rather than looking at several lesser-scale trade targets that could help the Bucks, let us aim high and look at three dream trade targets for the team to inquire about.

Harrison Barnes would be a dream trade target for the Milwaukee Bucks

Harrison Barnes is typically not a name that would come to mind for most Milwaukee Bucks fans when assessing potential trade targets, but the versatile forward checks off several boxes on the team’s offseason to-do list. Barnes has been mentioned on and off in trade rumors as a member of the Sacramento Kings over the years, and he was even linked to the Bucks during an eventful 2020 offseason when the team was trying to acquire him alongside Bogdan Bogdanovic. If he is potentially available in trades this offseason, the Bucks should kick the tires on Barnes.

First and foremost, Barnes can flat out score the basketball. Throughout his lengthy NBA career, the 30-year-old has averaged 14.1 points per contest while shooting 45.3 percent from the floor and 37.9 percent from 3-point range. Though Khris Middleton’s absence was a significant reason for it, Milwaukee struggled offensively throughout the postseason. Adding a reputable scorer like Barnes would make the Bucks more formidable on that side of the basketball and help lessen the team’s concerns offensively moving forward.

The versatility that Barnes would bring to the table is yet another reason why he would be a great fit for the Bucks. The 6-foot-8 veteran can play either forward position and would give head coach Mike Budenholzer a small-ball power forward to utilize that the Bucks lacked this season after the front office let P.J. Tucker go last offseason. Given his ability to guard multiple positions and knock down shots on the other end, Barnes would be the ideal small-ball four that Milwaukee needs to go after this offseason.

What makes Barnes a dream trade target is his hefty contract. The 30-year-old is set to make an expiring $18.4 million next year, which makes him a pricey target for any team, especially one like the Bucks that is low on assets and financial flexibility. While it would undoubtedly be challenging, acquiring Barnes is not impossible for the Bucks, it would just take some shaking up of the roster. Given what he could bring on both sides of the ball, it would be worth exploring if the Kings are at least willing to entertain any offers, as this would be a win-now move.