Grading a mock trade that gives the Milwaukee Bucks a top target and NBA champion
The Milwaukee Bucks’ perspective on this mock trade with the
Toronto Raptors
In terms of what the Bucks need, Brown is the ideal fit for their needs and could change how their season ends. His ability to guard at the wing whilst adding value on offense is what makes him one of the top targets that could be available at the deadline.
So far this season, Brown is averaging 12 points per game on 47.8 percent shooting and 33 percent from deep. To go with this, he adds five rebounds per game and a steal across his time with the Indiana Pacers and now Toronto Raptors.
Compare this to the two players that would go the other way, Portis is also averaging 12 points per game and Connaughton is down at 5.4 points per game. Portis has had his ups and downs this season, but has still been a huge part of the bench unit which collectively has struggled to impact the game when they enter. Connaughton on the other hand has really struggled at times and has seen MarJon Beauchamp and Andre Jackson Jr. at times taking his minutes.
Portis has seen his minutes drop this season, and Brown is still playing around 30 minutes, so he would easily take those, whether that was off the bench or in the starting lineup. To replace Connaughton's minutes, it would see Beauchamp and Jackson Jr. likely see the floor more and alternate depending on performance and opponent as to who is on the court.
One of the Bucks' problems with this trade is that it would leave them very light in the frontcourt with just Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez.
The reported value the Raptors have put on Brown is a first-round pick and having moved Pascal Siakam are looking to the future more so than the present. It does feel like this may be a lot for the Bucks to give up, having seen the impact Portis can have off the bench. We know he has struggled in the postseason, but during his time in Milwaukee, he has always been in the conversation for the Sixth Man of the Year Award.
From the Bucks' point of view, I do like the addition, but I wonder what Portis' value is and who else could be available in a trade for Portis. Would it potentially land Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O'Neale from the Brooklyn Nets? Would it open the door to adding multiple players? That is up to the front office.