There's been no shortage of trade talk involving the Milwaukee Bucks making the rounds lately.
In recent days, many have pegged the Bucks as a potential team to join in on a Jimmy Butler trade, though not as the team receiving him. Analysts and fans alike have labeled the Bucks as a team that could absorb Bradley Beal to help Butler land in Phoenix, his preferred definition. Bucks fans pushed back on the idea immediately.
It simply wouldn't make much sense for the Milwaukee Bucks to trade for Bradley Beal, given he is on the books for over $50 million in each of the next three years and is having a down year. Furthermore, the Bucks would have had to cut ties with several players to make a deal work. Unless the Bucks were getting significant draft capital to take him, it was always hard to envision the fit in Milwaukee.
Well, now, no one has to think about this idea too much.
Insider squashes Bucks' speculative Bradley Beal trade interest
NBA insider Chris Haynes silenced any thought of Bradley Beal coming to Milwaukee anytime soon, saying that not only have the Bucks not inquired about Beal at all, but a connection is "nonexistent." With the Phoenix Suns needing to offload him in a trade for Jimmy Butler, they will now have to find another team willing to take on the remaining years and money on his hefty contract.
This is the proper play for the Bucks. While Beal may benefit from a change of scenery, his fit was always tough to imagine on this squad. This team needs defense, and he's not bringing much of it. Furthermore, many would argue that when healthy, Khris Middleton, who would have to go in a Beal trade due to his contract, is the better player right now, and he makes $20 million less this season.
Now, the prominent question is how big of a move the Milwaukee Bucks want to make. Could they try to play spoiler and snatch Butler from Phoenix's grasp? Could they shock everyone and make an unexpected move for Zach LaVine? Or will they opt for something smaller, such as adding a big man with some athleticism, which they desperately need? At this point, no one truly knows the answer.
The February 6 NBA Trade Deadline cannot come soon enough, especially after hearing this news.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.