5 No-brainer trades Bucks should make before the deadline

2. Bucks improve defense

Adrian Griffin was fired in part because of the Bucks’ defensive struggles. They were annually one of the best teams under coach Budenholzer, but have slipped to 19th this season. Trading Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard has played a role. Griffin’s scheme changes did not help, and it is a key area for Doc Rivers to fix.

The Bucks would love to have a lockdown defender to pair with Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Those two can defend the rim and make scoring inside nearly impossible, but Milwaukee needs someone capable of stopping penetration and defending the league’s elite scorers.

The Trail Blazers are rebuilding and have a two-time All-Defensive wing on their roster. Could the Bucks convince Portland to trade him at a discount?

Thybulle is only averaging 22.3 minutes per game this season and struggles on the offensive end. The Bucks do not need more offense. They have three elite scorers leading their charge. Milwaukee needs defense. Thybulle can guard multiple positions and would solve the team’s perimeter woes.

Matisse Thybulle would have to sink open jumpers or make a few plays to stick in the rotation. He is shooting 37.3 percent from 3-point range this season. His jumper is improving. Thybulle would be an upgrade over Pat Connaughton, but the Milwaukee Bucks may try to land someone capable of contributing on both ends of the floor more consistently.