Trade rumors are nothing new for the Milwaukee Bucks.
They've been involved in them since their ugly 2-8 start to the season and, as always, will likely be among the most active teams leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline. Over the past several seasons, the Bucks typically would have targeted a savvy veteran forward to beef up their perimeter defense, but this year, it appears they are going after something different. Something this roster needs.
The Milwaukee Bucks know their roster has a glaring flaw
Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Milwaukee Bucks have made calls across to league in an attempt to find a lob threat to "complement" Brook Lopez. Based on this rumor, it's clear Milwaukee understands that a lack of athleticism at the center spot is a flaw this roster has.
Nearing 37 years old, Brook Lopez is certainly not as spry as he once was, and Bobby Portis has never been quick on his feet. This has caused problems for the Bucks at times, as opposing teams hunt these two and drag them out to the perimeter to create a mismatch and easier scoring chance, especially when they are on the floor at the same time.
An athletic big man capable of catching lobs and switching defensively would make so much sense for this team, giving them a player who can give them a different look behind Brook Lopez or even in lineups alongside him. It would give coach Doc Rivers some needed flexibility over being forced to play Giannis Antetokounmpo at center whenever this team needs a jolt of athleticism.
With that criteria in mind, two obvious trade targets Milwaukee should have circled are Atlanta Hawks versatile big man Larry Nance Jr. and Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III. These are two players who could be swapped for Bobby Portis financially in any trade.
Williams has two primary concerns regarding his fit in Milwaukee, and they revolve around his injury history and a lack of an outside shot, which could create a clunky fit offensively. However, there is no denying his defensive excellence as a shot-blocker AND ability to switch on the perimeter would be a breath of fresh air for the Milwaukee Bucks at the center spot.
Yet, Williams may be off the table, at least for now. Fischer reports that Williams could be the most coveted center on the market and that the Trail Blazers are not currently "eager" to trade him. They could change their tune in time, but if the Milwaukee Bucks want to act fast, Williams may not be an option for them.
If Williams is not in the mix, the Bucks could pivot to Nance, who is likely far more available, given that he hasn't been in the rotation in Atlanta's crowded frontcourt. Nance can do a bit of everything while playing at either power forward or center. He might fit better offensively than Williams, as he's shot 45.7 percent from deep over his last 71 games, in addition to playing stout versatile defense.
More names could surface in time, but it's nice to know that the Milwaukee Bucks are currently on the hunt to patch one of their prominent roster flaws. The recent wave of youth and athleticism that has worked its way into Milwaukee's rotation at the wing spot has been a game-changer, and the same could possibly happen at the center position.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.