Grade The Trade: Bucks add young wing with a family connection in this proposal
By Dalton Sell
The Milwaukee Bucks' POV on this mock trade with the Atlanta Hawks
This past off-season, the Milwaukee Bucks were clearly looking to add some youth on the wing, which they did with the additions of Andre Jackson Jr. and Chris Livingston. If they want to continue that pursuit to add further to their newfound youth on the wing, perhaps they could look into this deal with Atlanta in the coming months.
It's odd that Griffin has fallen almost entirely out of Atlanta's rotation this season after a strong rookie year in 2022-23. In 72 games last season, he averaged 8.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and an assist while shooting 39 percent from deep in 19.5 minutes per game. He's still just 20 years old, so there is some potential there still possibly waiting to be unearthed if given an opportunity.
Part of Griffin's decline in production this season is due to the fact that he has been out for several games due to personal reasons. It is unclear what those are, but we hope he is well at this time.
Currently out of Atlanta's rotation, his confidence may be down, but the proper situation could potentially help. Austin Rivers played some of the best basketball of his NBA career with the LA Clippers, who were coached by his father, Doc Rivers. Perhaps playing for his father could make the youngster more comfortable, which could help bring the best out of him.
Thought it was interesting AJ Griffin told me at practice today his dad Adrian, who’s an assistant in Toronto, watched his film and sends him critique to improve his game. Even after AJ’s big night on Monday there was still film critique from dad. pic.twitter.com/B8lSgRi0GC
— Caleb Johnson (@ATLjohnson18) November 9, 2022
Griffin could give the Milwaukee Bucks another young, versatile, and switchable defender to utilize on a nightly basis. At 6-foot-6, 212lbs, he's got good size and length to stick with players, which could be of use to this Milwaukee team. As evidenced by the team's downfalls over the past few years, there is no such thing as too much depth, especially on the wing.
The Bucks would be giving up a lot here, including Pat Connaughton and two of the finite picks they have left in their arsenal. Connaughton has been having an incredibly tough year, and his nice salary could be a major card in any trade the Bucks make. Perhaps they'd decide to roll with the high upside in Griffin over a struggling veteran in Connaughton, even if it includes two picks.