The Milwaukee Bucks wanted reputable defenders ahead of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, and they just landed one.
As first reported by the Pat Bev Pod, the Philadelphia 76ers have traded Patrick Beverley to the Bucks. The Athletic's Shams Charania followed that up by saying the Bucks acquired Beverley in exchange for Cameron Payne and a second-round pick in 2027.
Instant reaction and analysis to the Milwaukee Bucks trading for Patrick Beverley
This is a surprising move, given that Beverley was not among the dozens of trade targets the Bucks had been linked to ahead of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline. General Manager Jon Horst has always been known to keep a trick or two up his sleeve, such as with the Damian Lillard trade.
As for Beverley, he's always been known for defense, and he's got three All-Defensive selections to back it up. At 35 years old, he doesn't have the same legs as he used to, but he can still bring some toughness and intensity on the floor and in the locker room. He's always worn his heart on his sleeve. There have been many times where the Bucks have been devoid of energy this year, so this may help.
At 6-foot-2, Beverley is not the wing-stopper the Bucks need, but he can provide resistance when the team takes on opposing top guards. Between Lillard and Payne, there was never much guard defense for the Bucks, so this will be a huge boost, whether they are on the floor together or separately.
Beverley also has no shortage of familiarity with new Bucks coach Doc Rivers, who were both with the LA Clippers for several years. That could help get him into the swing of things fairly quickly. Beverley has played with plenty of stars in his career, and he will now have the chance to play with a few more in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard.
Even if it ends up not being quite as impactful, this does have shades of the deal the Bucks made for P.J. Tucker back in 2021. Tucker was never one to put up the gaudiest numbers, but Milwaukee traded for him due to his toughness, defense, and versatility. Those are all qualities Beverley also possesses that could be of great use to this team.
As for what they gave up, Payne was never really able to establish a role in the rotation. With the team in need of defense, it made sense to send him out for an upgrade on that side of the ball. The Bucks did lose a second-round pick, but they still have their 2024 pick from Portland, which is the more valuable second-rounder of the two.
It will be fascinating to see how this plays out.
Welcome to Milwaukee, Patrick Beverley!
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