The Milwaukee Bucks have yet to pull off their first move of the trade season, but the Chicago Bulls just handed them a blueprint in a three-team deal on Saturday night.
In the trade, the Cavaliers sent forward De'Andre Hunter to the Kings in exchange for guards Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. While the other two teams occupied the headlines, Chicago made the move possible by taking on Dario Saric from Sacramento. In return, the Bulls received a pair of second-round picks, Cleveland's 2027 pick (via Denver) and a 2029 selection from the Kings.
While Chicago's participation reads like a footnote, the Bucks should pay close attention. This is exactly the kind of opportunity they should be hunting this trade deadline as they pivot from win-now mode to focus on the future.Â
Bucks must take Bulls' example to heart
For the Bulls, absorbing Saric's $5.4 million expiring salary is a harmless cost to bolster their quiver of draft assets. In order to match Hunter's incoming salary, the Kings needed a landing spot for unwanted filler. Being able to move Hunter's money off the books was of keen interest to Cleveland. The Bulls smartly volunteered to facilitate.
The Bucks should look for chances to do the same. Equipped with nearly $12 million in tax space, they can easily take on moderate contracts like that of Saric. As Milwaukee continues to slip down the standings, targeting a star no longer makes sense. Replenishing their depleted stash of draft assets, on the other hand, should be a top priority.Â
In fact, the front office is already exploring opportunities involving Mavericks guard D'Angelo Russell. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports that they would be looking to net second-round draft capital for taking on Russell's contract as a favor to the tax-burdened Mavs. In particular, Dallas might want to evade his 2026-27 player option worth $5.9 million.
Watching the Bulls benefit from facilitating between the Cavaliers and Kings should encourage the Bucks to turn plans into action. Looking to the future doesn't mean they have to ship out Giannis Antetokounmpo by February 5 for a flashy return package of picks and prospects. Following the Bulls' example would be a less drastic path to improve the organization's outlook in a meaningful way.Â
Operating as a bottom feeder isn't something the Bucks are accustomed to. Neither is dwelling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. General manager Jon Horst is known as an aggressive buyer, but in a season that has failed to meet expectations, he and the Bucks must adapt accordingly.