Whenever a big name is floating around in trade rumors, the Milwaukee Bucks will surely be one of the teams rumored to express some interest. However, sometimes, there are players they must simply steer clear of despite their name recognition. One such name is Tyler Herro, an All-Star with the Miami Heat this past season, whose defensive concerns could cause problems.
While Herro isn't officially on the trade block, many have wondered if he could soon find his way there if the Heat decide to hit the reset button anytime soon. On the latest episode of The Zach Lowe Show, Lowe and The Athletic's Sam Amick ran through Herro trade scenarios, and one such idea involved the Milwaukee Bucks.
Lowe: "Milwaukee? He's from Wisconsin. At that point, you're topping out on basically salary relief. Like, 'We'll give you the end of Kuzma's deal and maybe an ok young player.'"
Bucks have dedicated their roster to almost exclusively two-way players
Milwaukee made it clear this summer that they want players who play on both sides of the basketball. From eating a historic amount of dead money to sign Myles Turner to prioritizing re-signing players like Gary Trent Jr. and Ryan Rollins, the Milwaukee Bucks have focused on assembling a roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo that will prevent this team from being one-sided.
Herro doesn't fit with that mindset. While an undeniably great offensive talent, defense has always been a glaring weakness for the guard. When asked about the key to beating the Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland famously said, "Pick on Tyler Herro." Unless he has a mid-career defensive evolution like Brook Lopez, which is unlikely, this will likely stick with Herro for good.
The Milwaukee Bucks already tried putting a one-way star next to Giannis over the last two years with the acquisition of Damian Lillard. Unsurprisingly, the defense took a significant step back compared to its typically high level prior to his arrival. The regression as a whole didn't fall on Lillard, but he certainly played a massive part in it. The Bucks would be stuck in the same boat with Herro.
If Lowe's proposition of Kyle Kuzma and a young player, such as Andre Jackson Jr. or Tyler Smith, were enough to satisfy the Heat, it wouldn't be the worst deal in the world. There would be plenty of defensive headaches, but Herro may have more upside than those in the package. However, that feels too light of a return for Miami, even with the defensive limitations.
Miami would almost certainly be asking for high-end draft capital, and the Milwaukee Bucks should hold off on even thinking about offering their 2031 first-rounder. That pick should be on the table in trade talks, but only for a clear-cut two-way star. Tyler Herro doesn't check off that box. The Bucks do not want to mortgage their future for someone who doesn't fit in.
If Herro does end up on the trade block, the Bucks should simply stand pat.
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