Although it's still very early into the 2023-24 NBA season, Milwaukee Bucks fans have already fired up the trade machine to assess potential targets for the team.
Of course, the one thing the team could use right now is a high level defender. It's no secret that the Bucks would benefit mightily from adding one, which prompted ClutchPoints writer Mike Cruz to pick out three potential targets who fit the mold. With that said, let us take a closer look at the targets, what they would do for Milwaukee, and the odds of the team actually getting the players involved.
Trade target No. 1 - Alex Caruso
This is the target that everyone - not just the Bucks - is talking about. There are rumors swirling that the Chicago Bulls could be on the verge of a major roster shakeup, and while Zach LaVine would be the top target for many teams if that happens, Alex Caruso would not be far behind. Just about every team in the league could use Caruso, but especially a team like Milwaukee.
Caruso, a 2022-23 All-Defensive honoree, is exactly what this Bucks team needs more of right now. He's an incredibly versatile defender who would thrive in Adrian Griffin's system. If he were to start next to Damian Lillard, he could take significant pressure off of the guard by taking on those tougher defensive assignments and being a relentless point of attack defender.
On paper, Caruso makes a ton of sense for the Bucks, but there are questions about whether or not they could actually get him. If he does become available, there will be a handful of teams out there who could outbid them in the blink of an eye, particularly when it comes to draft capital. The Bucks unloaded nearly everything they had left to offer in the Lillard trade, leaving them pretty thin there.
The Bucks could offer one of Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton along with what second round picks they have, maybe dangling one of Andre Jackson Jr. or MarJon Beauchamp as well. It's unclear if they would be willing to entertain those two young wings, but if they want to make a splashy trade, those are two players teams will likely ask about.
If the front office was somehow able to get Caruso in a Bucks uniform, it would be a huge help, but the odds of pulling it off are not too likely.
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