In years past, when a star's name has been in the rumor mill, the Milwaukee Bucks have often been among the teams to check in. As rumors swirl around All-Star Ja Morant in Memphis following recent controversies and a suspension, many are wondering if his time there is soon coming to an end. If that does come true, the Bucks should hold off on making a run at him.
No, the Milwaukee Bucks should not go star hunting
There are countless reasons why Milwaukee and Morant wouldn't mesh well.
First and foremost, the Bucks have made it clear how they want to fill out their roster. Rather than surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo with other big names like they did in past years, they want 15 players who can get on the floor at any point if needed. Depth is essential in today's NBA, and a trade for a star player would require the Bucks to give up some key pieces.
Of course, for the right fit, the Bucks could sacrifice a little depth. However, Morant doesn't even fit the description of what this team needs. While Morant's speed, athleticism, and passing ability could all be useful to this Milwaukee squad, he doesn't fit in with their defensive approach or their desire to get up 3-pointers as much as they can. He and Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a brutal pairing.
The Milwaukee Bucks have already tried pairing Giannis with a small guard who plays on one side of the basketball. It didn't work with Damian Lillard, and he was one of the best shooters in the league, so there was always at least adequate spacing with the two. In addition to being smaller than Lillard, Morant is a far worse outside shooter, hitting 31.1 percent of his career looks (14 percent this year).
Trading for another star might sound appealing on the surface, especially as it has helped secure Giannis' signature on past contract extensions, but this is one the Bucks should avoid. It's a trade that would create more questions than answers on impact. All of that goes without even mentioning how Morant essentially quit on the Grizzlies in a recent game.
If the Milwaukee Bucks are in the market for a trade, it should be for a taller wing that plays on both sides of the basketball. Based on their play early this season, that is clearly the archetype of player that could elevate this team, not a non-floor spacing, undersized point guard.
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