Grade the trade pitch: Bucks land defensive menace in swap with LA Clippers

The NBA rumor mill is still churning with the preseason games in full swing. For the Milwaukee Bucks, getting better still means upgrading their defensive infrastructure at the guard spots to allow Damian Lillard to focus all his energy on generating offense.

This mock trade by Behind the Buck Pass' Dalton Sell involves the Milwaukee Bucks and LA Clippers. It’s a fairly straightforward exchange: Kris Dunn would head to Milwaukee, while Pat Connaughton and a distant 2031 second-round pick would go to LA. This is one such move that requires a closer look.

The mock trade between the Bucks and Clippers

For the Milwaukee Bucks, the acquisition of Dunn could have immediate and tangible benefits.

Dunn, known for his defensive tenacity, would bolster a Bucks team that prides itself on shutting down opponents, particularly in the backcourt. With a high-powered offense led by Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee's focus needs to shift to balancing that with elite perimeter defense. Adding Dunn into the mix strengthens a weak spot and could give the Milwaukee Bucks an edge come playoff time.

On the flip side, the Los Angeles Clippers are no strangers to making strategic moves to strengthen their roster depth. Connaughton offers them additional shooting and veteran savvy, while the future draft pick provides more flexibility for roster-building. The Clippers would be betting on Connaughton regaining his form and offering them a reliable option off the bench, especially in a system that thrives on spacing and ball movement.

This is one of those trades that may not generate headlines, but it could have ripple effects down the road for both teams. Whether it’s adding depth for a deep playoff run or shedding contracts to position for the future, both teams have something to gain from this transaction.

Let's break down how this potential deal benefits each team and assess what each side stands to gain from these moves.