The NBA Trade Deadline is less than a month away, and everyone wants to know just how aggressive the Milwaukee Bucks will be.
For months, it's felt like they might make a move around the edges for another big man or a wing to add some more youth and athleticism. However, latest rumblings suggest they may be going after a much bigger fish. Per John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix, the Bucks are among the teams eyeing Jimmy Butler, a player the Miami Heat are currently keen on moving.
With all of Milwaukee's financial restrictions and asset limitations, plenty of fans brushed this off as nothing to get too attached to. Yet, if the Bucks are indeed among the Butler suitors, there is a clear reason to believe they could make a legitimate run at him before the trade deadline: Jon Horst.
Jon Horst loves his blockbuster trades, and this would be no different
During his time as the general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks, Jon Horst has never been shy when it comes to making big trades. From the Eric Bledsoe deal to (at the time) acquiring both Jrue Holiday and Bogdan Bogdanovic on the same night to the out-of-nowhere Damian Lillard trade, Horst is not one to shy away from going all-in.
He understands the significance a trade like this can have, and if he believes Jimmy Butler can be the difference-maker for this team, he'll work tirelessly to get something done. For the "the Bucks do not have any assets" crowd, people said the same thing before the Damian Lillard trade. Where there's a will, there's a way, especially with general manager Jon Horst and his significant trades.
One would also be justifiable in thinking Milwaukee's rocky season would make Horst more willing to go all-in on this particular deal. This team needs a spark, some edge and perimeter defense, and the thought of adding five-time All-Defensive honoree and six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler certainly has the makings to help them out in all of those regards.
After years of Butler being a thorn in Milwaukee's side throughout various playoff battles, it would be a fascinating change to have him on this side of things for a change. How that would get done is up to Jon Horst and the rest of the Milwaukee Bucks front office.
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