The Milwaukee Bucks' rumored interest in Zach LaVine and Anfernee Simons highlights the fact that they think this offense could use a jolt. In his latest rumor roundup from HoopsHype, Michael Scotto reported the interest in both players, noting that the Bucks are conducting their usual business as one of the NBA's most active teams on the trade front.
Bucks looking for help on the offensive end
The reason behind Milwaukee's desire to add more help offensively is simple. When they roll out any lineup with Giannis Antetokounmpo, they are great. When the Greek Freak sits, the offense falls off a cliff because everyone fails to pick up the slack. This team could use another bucket-getter capable of taking pressure off Giannis before running him into the ground just to stay afloat.
LaVine and Simons are two interesting names here.
Certainly the more decorated of the two, LaVine is a two-time All-Star known for his athletic ability, sweet shooting, and scoring outbursts. In 16 games this season, he's averaging 20.5 points per game while shooting 49.8 percent from the floor, including 38.6 percent from deep. That type of production could certainly be a shot in the arm.
While desirable to a degree, the two main concerns with LaVine are his health, as he does have an injury history, and his massive salary. The guard is making $47.4 million this season and has a player option for $49 million next year. That's a lot of money for a player who can certainly help this team but might not be a needle-mover.
If the Milwaukee Bucks want to go cheaper, they could turn to Simons. He's making an expiring $27.7 million this season, and although his production isn't quite as high as LaVine's, as he's averaging 14.1 points per game, he could still help. The question is whether the Boston Celtics would even entertain anything the Bucks have to offer.
The problem with both players is that while they could certainly help on offense, they lack defense that this team also needs. Players who can only perform on one side of the ball simply don't get the job done in today's NBA. The Milwaukee Bucks embraced that idea this summer, but these reports make it sound like they are tempted to abandon that philosophy to spark the offense.
Even with names floating around out there, it's too early to talk trades just yet. A good chunk of the Bucks roster isn't eligible to be moved until mid-December. That's when the festivities may get going.
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