Grade the Trade: Bucks add former Sixth Man of the Year in intriguing mock deal

The verdict

This deal suggested by Sell would more likely appeal to the Jazz fanbase and front office as they would add further draft capital, along with two good players that can be part of their rebuild or flipped for further assets. From the Milwaukee Bucks point of view it just doesn't make too much sense. Adding a bench scorer but sacrificing one of their top defenders would be tough to make sense of.

What the Bucks would also need to consider is whether Giannis become the full-time center and whether Bobby Portis would then start. The rotation in the frontcourt would look different and may work, but there wouldn't be a recognized center on the roster.

With the addition of Trent, the Bucks now have that extra scorer from all levels, and signs suggest he would start, but rotations can change, and we may see him be one of the first off the bench to add some punch when Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo sit.

Milwaukee needs defensive players who can fit around their stars. Sticking with those involved in this trade, someone like an Eason might actually be the better piece for the Bucks to add to complement their needs right now. The Bucks don't need another microwave scorer, and that is why it feels like acquiring Clarkson here would not be the right move.

Houston would get the center they have been chasing for a couple of seasons now, but it feels like they would maybe be reluctant to give up two players and three picks in order to add Lopez as he enters this season at 36 years old. If they knew they would extend him for cheap, then it may be a good idea, but it's unlikely in this mock trade.

It is an enticing trade, and making three-team deals work for all involved is always tough, but it feels like the Bucks would be making a mistake with this one. Giving up one of their better defenders and one of the best shooting bigs ever for another bench scorer doesn't do much for them.

Overall, it is an interesting deal, and Clarkson is a brilliant player, but it would be a strange one for Milwaukee if it went through.