The Milwaukee Bucks have been busy this offseason, but the roster still has holes, with the most notable perhaps being a lack of wing depth. To patch this, they should give the New Orleans Pelicans a call, as they have two wings, Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III, who would be fascinating targets to fill out the wing rotation. If the Bucks could get either of them, they'd be all the more formidable.
The Milwaukee Bucks should go all in on one of Pelicans' wings
Right now, the only true small forward the Bucks have is Taurean Prince - let's hope Doc Rivers uses him at that position rather than a two-guard next season. While he's a fine player, Prince should not be Milwaukee's starting three next season. He's a second-unit role player. Bringing in a player like Jones or Murphy would be the jolt the Milwaukee Bucks need.
Jones is a legitimate defensive weapon. A 2023-24 All-Defensive honoree, the 6-foot-8 forward has the defensive chops to match up with anyone. Offensively, he's hot and cold from deep, but he can still put up double-digit points nightly. Murphy III is more of a scorer, averaging 21.2 points last season. He's another lengthy 6-foot-8 small forward.
Adding to their intrigue is their age; Jones is 26, while Murphy III is 25. The Milwaukee Bucks are on the hunt to make this roster younger, and both players would help. Having either would shore up the team's versatility, giving them a lengthy forward who can switch defensively while making a mark on the defensive end. It'd be a dream to have either.
Neither would be cheap. Beyond the financial aspect, Jones makes $13.9 million, and Murphy III is at $25 million, the Pelicans certainly hold both in high regard. Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor reported recently that there are no untouchables in New Orleans, and while that's enticing, teams will have to pay up to get them.
Salary-wise, the Milwaukee Bucks can offer Kyle Kuzma, but the real prize would be the draft capital. Milwaukee still has a 2031 first-round pick, which is among the most valuable assets in the league as teams wonder if Giannis Antetokounmpo will be there when it's time to make that selection. Would that pick be enough to convince New Orleans? Perhaps.
By waiving Damian Lillard and adding Turner, the Milwaukee Bucks have made it clear that they are doing what they can to win now. Swinging for the fences on a small forward would further solidify how much they want to win in this current window.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.