Knicks guard should catapult up Bucks' trade targets wish list after new rumor

If the Milwaukee Bucks make a move before the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, it will be to strengthen their play on the defensive side of the ball.

While management has been very quiet in terms of rumors this season, a new report involving the New York Knicks should change that. According to The Athletic's Fred Katz, the Knicks are currently fielding offers for Quentin Grimes as they aim to find facilitating behind lead guard Jalen Brunson.

General Manager Jon Horst should be on the phone with the New York Knicks as soon as possible.

Knicks guard should catapult up Bucks' trade targets wish list after new rumor surfaces

Throughout his three NBA seasons to this point, Grimes has made a name for himself due to his play on the defensive end. At 6-foot-5, 205 lbs, Grimes is incredibly versatile and can match up well vs. several different positions and archetypes. That's exactly the type of player Milwaukee needs right now as they aim to sort out their defensive issues, particularly on the perimeter.

Whether he's starting or coming off of the bench, Grimes could immediately give this team a spark on defense whenever he steps onto the floor. He could take pressure off others like Damian Lillard and Malik Beasley, allowing them to focus more on their offensive output.

While his calling card is defense, Grimes is no slouch on offense either. For his career, he's averaged 8.6 points while shooting 38.6 percent from three on five attempts per contest. That perimeter shot would make him the perfect complementary piece alongside Milwaukee's star players like Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he'd get plenty of open looks.

Grimes has fallen out of favor in New York's rotation lately, having recently lost his starting gig. After a strong showing in 2022-23, Grimes' minutes per game are also down by over 10. The Knicks just are not using him to his full potential like a team such as Milwaukee could.

The 23-year-old has an incredibly team-friendly deal, making $2.4 million this season. That makes him an even better target for the Bucks, as he's much more attainable financially than other major trade targets like Dorian Finney-Smith, Alex Caruso, and more.

The question is what the Knicks might want in exchange for Grimes. As Katz said, they want to bring in more facilitating behind Brunson. Would an offer of backup point guard Cameron Payne, youngster MarJon Beauchamp, and one or two of Milwaukee's second-round picks get the job done, or do the Knicks believe they get a better offer elsewhere? That's the unknown.

Whatever the case may be, Horst should put in an offer as he aims to improve Milwaukee's defense. Grimes might not be the big-name wing-stopper fans want, but perhaps with Andre Jackson Jr. on the rise and Jae Crowder returning, the front office might not be focused on solely adding a bigger wing defender. A 6-foot-5 defensive ace in Grimes would make sense.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.