More trade intel from HoopsHype's Michael Scotto dropped this week, linking the Milwaukee Bucks to a plethora of names ahead of the NBA trade deadline. They have been linked to plenty of guards, but it feels like the team is overcomplicating things and should be targeting wing play.
Bucks should be looking to add a small forward
Trae Young has been the biggest name expected to be traded of late, with the Bucks being one of the teams named as a potential suitor for the guard. The Atlanta Hawks star is on the more expensive end of where the Bucks are expected to be looking, with them having to give up valuable depth to get the trade over the line.
Anfernee Simons is another name that Scotto mentions the Bucks have shown interest in. Heading into the final year of his contract, the Celtics guard is another player who could well be on the move.
This adds to a list that already includes Zach LaVine and Malik Monk, clearly indicating the Bucks are targeting guards. However, they should be looking to improve the wing position.
As of right now, the Bucks' starting lineup is strong with AJ Green starting at the small forward position, but that leaves Kyle Kuzma with a lot of responsibilities when it comes to guarding larger wings. Taurean Prince's long-term injury also plays a factor in this.
The backcourt pairing of Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. is on fire right now, so breaking up the pairing feels unnecessary. Bringing in another guard, in particular a star one, would then take away from what has been a bright spot for the team. Monk could be an intriguing addition to help bolster the offensive punch off the bench, but losing wing and frontcourt depth to bring him in would add to the problems that already exist.
Even Giannis Antetokounmpo highlighted that the Bucks play better when he has the ball in his hands, bringing in a star guard would take away from that.
Higher-end small forwards Michael Porter Jr. and Herb Jones have been mentioned in rumors this season. Whether the Bucks have the value to match the value the Nets and Pelicans are looking for is debatable. They may be out of the picture for Milwaukee, but wings that can play defense and hit threes are exactly what the Milwaukee Bucks should be looking to bolster the roster with.
Jon Horst has never been afraid to make a move, and this season feels no different. If the rumors are true and the Bucks are indeed targeting a guard, it feels like they will make things more difficult for themselves. Targeting depth and the wing position should be the Bucks' focus, as the backcourt and starting five are in a good spot.