NBA trade season is now slowly kicking into gear, and the Milwaukee Bucks are one team constantly being named by insiders as someone looking to freshen up and improve their roster.
Big rumors regarding the likes of Jimmy Butler continue circulating. Jerami Grant has been a player linked in mock trades. Yet, one big man has moved out of the Eastern Conference, and he would have been the perfect fit for the Milwaukee Bucks as they desperately need frontcourt athleticism.
Bucks can't be too mad about the Suns trading for Nick Richards
Another team looking for frontcourt help was the Phoenix Suns and former Bucks title-winning head coach Mike Budenholzer. They addressed this problem on Wednesday by acquiring Nick Richards and a second-round pick from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Josh Okogie and three second-round picks.
Richards is a solid center in the league, averaging 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. The mobile shot-blocker is earning just $5 million this season, which made him an ideal candidate for the Milwaukee Bucks to trade for as they continue to sit over the second apron.
Where the Bucks were outgunned here was in the draft capital department. They would have likely had to throw in their 2031 first-round pick to outbid the Suns, and frankly, holding onto that pick is the right decision in a deal like this.
Pat Connaughton's contract was ideal to be used here, but now, the Bucks will have to pivot elsewhere should they still be looking to bolster the frontcourt. Larry Nance Jr. and Robert Williams III are names that have been thrown around online as players the Bucks can look towards and also trade for without too much hassle to improve down low.
Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo are still a great duo in the frontcourt with their rim protection, but at times, Lopez lacks the athleticism and speed to keep up with the younger teams and centers who pull him around, and he can't keep up. Bobby Portis off the bench adds some energy, but he has been inconsistent all season long and is the biggest contract that would likely be moved unless Jon Horst and Co. decide the time has come to move on from Lopez or Khris Middleton.
The Bucks are clearly looking around the league for ways to improve the roster, and despite how perfect Richards would have been for their issues, they simply could not match the offer of the Suns without giving up too much. Horst and the rest of the front office are never shy from pulling the trigger on a big move so we will have to all sit tight and see what they might push through.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks news and analysis.