NBA trade Deadline targets for the Milwaukee Bucks and what they might cost

Royce O'Neale, Brooklyn Nets

Royce O'Neale is a player Milwaukee Bucks fans have had their eyes on for a long time, and according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post (Subscription required), the team does indeed have an interest in adding the wing ahead of the trade deadline.

In terms of what the Bucks need defensively, O'Neale checks off essentially all of the boxes. The wing is extremely versatile, meaning he could provide plenty of versatility as a switchable defender on the perimeter while taking on top-tier wing assignments. Having him defend opposing scorers over the likes of Malik Beasley and Pat Connaughton would be a major boost for Milwaukee.

Offensively, O'Neale wouldn't be tasked with much outside of knocking down occasional 3-point tries, which he is good at. For his career, he's sunk 38.1 percent of his triples on 3.6 attempts per matchup. Alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton, O'Neale would get his share of open looks and could thrive as a perimeter shooter.

According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, rival executives believe the Brooklyn Nets could acquire multiple second-round picks in exchange for O'Neale. Milwaukee could offer both of their seconds and Pat Connaughton to match O'Neale's salary in an attempt to satisfy that demand. Acquiring him would make plenty of sense for a Milwaukee team starving for more defenders.

In terms of what they both bring to the table, getting O'Neale would feel a lot like when the Bucks traded for P.J. Tucker in 2021. Milwaukee would be getting a veteran piece with experience who could help strengthen the team's defense, which is exactly what Tucker did. It will be interesting to see if history ultimately repeats itself.