Grade The Trade: Bucks add familiar target in this trade with the Hawks

Pros of this trade between the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks

While there are certainly some issues with the trade package itself, the idea of adding Bogdanovic could be compelling to the Milwaukee Bucks for two major reasons: shot creation and friendship.

Over the past several years, the Bucks have lacked reliable shot creators outside of their Big 3, and it has hurt them tremendously, especially in the NBA Playoffs. The Bucks need a player who is able to create their own shots to take the pressure off of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday from constantly having to do so. Bogdanovic, who has averaged 14.2 points per game while shooting 38.7 percent from three for his career, fits the mold and would be a seamless fit in Milwaukee alongside those three.

Speaking of the Big 3, Bogdanovic does have a relationship with Giannis. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, who was with Bleacher Report at the time, Antetokounmpo was in contact with the wing throughout the 2020 off-season and expressed a desire to join forces. Fischer added that Giannis admired Bogdanovic’s toughness and swagger and viewed him as “someone you could go to war with in the postseason.” It certainly wouldn’t hurt to add a player that Giannis is fond of, especially if that player can help the team. On top of that, keeping Antetokounmpo happy could go a long way with a possible extension offering on the horizon.