The Caris LeVert era is off to a rough start in Milwaukee. The Bucks' newcomer has struggled mightily to find his footing throughout the preseason. Yet, even with his poor numbers, the trade to land him in Milwaukee this summer is still a rousing win for the Bucks, as they sacrificed a pair of veterans for him and draft capital, the latter being the true prize here.
Draft picks make this trade easy to justify
In July, the Milwaukee Bucks traded Taurean Prince and Gary Harris to Detroit in exchange for LeVert and two future second round picks. The players were not a driving factor for either team in this move. For the Bucks, it was all about acquiring draft capital to take on a larger salary. For the Pistons, finding a team to help them shed some salary was needed, and they did just that here.
While Detroit was glad to get the salary relief, it didn't come cheap. In today's NBA, parting with any draft capital is risky, given how important picks have become to roster building. Giving up a pair of second rounders might be fine in the present, but it could haunt them in the long term—think about when the Bucks traded five second rounders to get the Jae Crowder deal across the finish line.
The Bucks were more than happy to take LeVert's expiring if they got to replenish their asset stash. Anything LeVert gave them after that would be a bonus.
LeVert's Bucks tenure off to a rough start
The Milwaukee Bucks didn't bring LeVert in to be a mainstay contributor, but they've given him at least a chance to showcase himself in the preseason. It hasn't gone well. In two appearances, the veteran has missed all five of his shots and both of his free throw attempts. He also has five turnovers and is a -25 in preseason play, the third-worst mark on the team.
It's safe to assume he hasn't done much to improve his placement in the guard rotation, especially as youngsters like Brayden Burries rise. Still, that doesn't mean he won't have a role to play—though it may not be on the actual floor. LeVert's leadership has been noteworthy during training camp, with one of the team's oldest players helping guide the young group in the right direction.
If the Milwaukee Bucks keep him, that alone makes him a valuable piece moving forward.
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