The Milwaukee Bucks have made their first move of trade season, and it spells a grim future for at least one of their current centers.
With the Bucks acquiring Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis from the Phoenix Suns, they now have four centers in Richards, Bobby Portis, Myles Turner, and Jericho Sims. It would be shocking if all four were there post-deadline. Portis, Turner, or Sims will seemingly get dealt to clear some room and fill other holes on the roster.
Bucks have too many centers right now
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the Bucks will continue to canvas the market for smaller-scale moves to tweak their roster over the next several hours. One of those moves, one would think, has to involve moving a center. There simply isn't a reason to employ Richards, Turner, Portis, and Sims on a team that could use depth at wing or point guard after parting with Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey.
Sims feels like the most obvious, given his small salary. Just like Coffey and Anthony, Sims is on a very team-friendly deal and could be easily moved. Even if it's just a salary dump, the Bucks might be wise to move Sims and clear a roster spot to sign a player at a position that needs filling. He could likely fetch them cash considerations at the minimum.
Myles Turner feels safe. Sure, he might not be quite as impressive as Bucks fans had hoped, but he's still a big-time player the team paid a premium for this summer. They likely envision him as a long-term piece for this organization and want to keep him paired with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is officially staying in town beyond the deadline.
Bobby Portis is the big uncertainty. He's been in trade rumors for years now. On a friendly salary, though not a minimum like Sims, plenty of teams lacking in bench production would be justified in acquiring the big man for a stretch run. If the Bucks can get a couple of second-round picks and/or a young rotation piece, that's a deal worth exploring.
Whatever the case, the Milwaukee Bucks almost certainly aren't done. Now that it's official Giannis will be sticking around, it won't be surprising if the team continues making calls to initiate more trades. Jon Horst has officially arrived to the party. Now, the question is what else might he do over the next few hours.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.