5 No-brainer trades Bucks should make before the deadline

3. Bucks target 3-and-D wing

Royce O’Neale has been on the trade block since the offseason. The Nets gave up a first-round pick to acquire him in the summer of 2022 and want to recoup it in the deal. Brooklyn is loaded on the wings and should trade him before the deadline if they want to get value in return. O’Neale is an unrestricted free agent after this season and is free to sign with any team.

Several teams have shown interest, but nobody has been willing to trade a first-round draft pick. O’Neale’s minutes and production are down. The Nets should take the best available offer, and the Bucks are rumored to be interested (subscription required). Could this deal get the trade done?

The Nets would have to be willing to take on two additional years of Connaughton’s contract to get the two second-round picks. Brooklyn is nine games under .500 and currently outside the Play-In Tournament. They should be sellers and trying to add draft capital to build a contender. If they do not, the Nets could be stuck in the middle for years.

The Bucks would love to add a career 38.0 percent 3-point shooter capable of guarding multiple positions. Royce O’Neale has made the playoffs six straight years and would certainly help Milwaukee contend. The 6’4 wing is still searching for his first ring, and he could the Bucks missing piece if they add him to their roster before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.