The Milwaukee Bucks will reportedly have a trade exception worth $7.2 million this coming summer, allowing them to take in a player with that salary or less. There are plenty of options across the NBA, but one that stands out is Mark Williams, a player who was initially on the move this year before the deal was called off, which does raise plenty of red flags.
Fresh off their blockbuster for Luka Doncic, the Lakers tried to find him a lob threat by agreeing to send Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 first and a pick swap to Charlotte to Williams. However, the Lakers backed out due to alleged concerns with Williams' physical. Considering Williams has played in just 106 games in his first three seasons, it's reasonable to believe those concerns were valid.
Given how prominently injury issues have plagued the Milwaukee Bucks in recent memory, no one should be shunned for thinking a Williams trade would be a bad idea. Yet, for a team that needs to undergo some major changes at the center position this offseason, calling Charlotte to at least see what it might take could be a worthwhile inquiry for Jon Horst as he has access to this exception.
The Bucks have plenty of questions at center
Currently, the Milwaukee Bucks don't have a center on the roster heading into the NBA offseason. Brook Lopez and Jericho Sims are free agents, while Bobby Portis has a player option that would allow him to hit the market if he declines. Last season exposed a need for the Bucks to get with the times and become younger, more agile and more athletic at the five. Williams could help with that.
Williams is a 7-foot athletic freak, utilizing his height, length and speed to catch lobs and send shots into the fourth row. When he did play this past season, the big man was a double-double machine as he averaged 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds. He also flexed some impressive facilitating chops with a career-best 2.5 assists per game, top 20 in the NBA among all centers.
The injury concerns are undoubtedly there, but Williams could be the two-way shot in the arm this team needs at the center spot. Outside of injuries, his lack of a jumper is an issue, as it could cause some fit problems with Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they don't have to share the floor every waking moment, though the combined athleticism and defensive acumen could form a lethal duo.
After the trade to Los Angeles fell through, Williams' value has taken a hit. It's unclear what Charlotte may want for the big man, but if the Milwaukee Bucks can snag him without giving up the farm, it may be a worthwhile exploration as the team tries to solve its center issues. Williams shouldn't be Plan A, but the trade exception does make Williams and his salary ($6.3 million) far more desirable.
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