When the Milwaukee Bucks inevitably start making trade inquiries this summer, opposing teams will be quick to ask for Ryan Rollins. The standout guard made a name for himself this season and could be viewed as a great returning piece in any deal. As insider Jake Fischer (subscription required) put it, Rollins "is the new combo guard in Milwaukee that rival teams are chasing."
Teams have taken notice of Rollins' breakout
Teams should want Rollins. Who wouldn't want a new breakout guard who just averaged 17.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game? On top of that, he's on one of the best deals in all of basketball, set to take home just $4 million next season. If there is a team across the league that wouldn't want him on the payroll, their management should be discarded.
The problem for them, though, is that the Milwaukee Bucks have very little reason to trade Rollins for the same reasons that everyone wants him. Should he be off the table entirely? No, but it would take quite the offer for the Bucks to budge, in all likelihood. Milwaukee should look to get a needle-mover in any deal in which they even consider dealing Rollins.
Ja Morant is not a player who fits the description. Fischer reported that the Memphis Grizzlies were firm in wanting Rollins in any deal that would have sent Morant to Milwaukee this past season. A deal didn't go down, obviously, and for good reason. While Morant has the All-Star recognition, he's not a game-changer that should make the Bucks consider trading their up-and-comer.
Bucks must be cautious with Rollins this summer
With a replenished supply of tradable first-round picks and very movable contracts, the Bucks could go star-hunting this offseason. If they pursue someone along the lines of Donovan Mitchell or Kawhi Leonard, Cleveland or LA will certainly ask about Rollins. Milwaukee must draw a firm line in the sand and do what they can to keep Rollins, who can be a key piece of this core moving forward.
For a team that hasn't had much success finding young contributors up until recently, Rollins has been a breath of fresh air. Making him all the more desirable is the fact that he's just 23 years old, signaling that he has plenty of room to grow. Whether his ceiling is very good role player, All-Star, or even something beyond, he should be in Milwaukee's current plans.
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