With Damian Lillard out for most, if not all, of next season, the Milwaukee Bucks need to find support for Giannis Antetokounmpo on the offensive end. Even if Giannis takes on a primary ball-handler role, he can't score all of the points, and this team has no second option. A new rumbling from Sacramento could potentially help in this regard, as former All-Star DeMar DeRozan may be available for trade.
Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, new Kings general manager Scott Perry is expected to test the market on DeRozan, who joined the team last year. The Bucks could use a smooth shot-creator like DeRozan, something they lost when they included Khris Middleton in a trade at last season's deadline. He's not a perfect fit, but there should be some intrigue regarding DeRozan and the Bucks.
Analyzing DeRozan's potential fit with the Milwaukee Bucks
Having averaged over 20 points per contest in 12 consecutive seasons, DeRozan is a bucket-getter. He does most of his damage in the mid-range, something that will remind Bucks fans of Middleton's incredibly smooth game. He has top-three finishes in the Clutch Player of the Year voting in two of the past three years; the Milwaukee Bucks need another go-to clutch player in Lillard's absence.
To land DeRozan ($24.6 million), the Bucks could form a package around Kyle Kuzma ($22.4 million). While Kuzma offers more defense and athleticism, two things this team needs, it doesn't matter too much when he gets benched in the postseason because of his erratic play. If the Milwaukee Bucks can find a way to add legitimate help using his contract, they should explore it.
At 35, DeMar DeRozan isn't a young, potential-filled player. He's a proven vet whose best days may be behind him. However, as they aim to form a competitive roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo, doing their due diligence on a potential go-to complementary scorer who could take some of the pressure off of the superstar is justifiable.
Even when Damian Lillard was out there, the Milwaukee Bucks were exposed in the playoffs for not having shot-creation outside of their two stars. It felt like the game plan was to just give the ball to one of Antetokounmpo and Lillard and get out of the way. That will only become worse next season with Lillard out.
If Milwaukee wants a player who can take charge and put up points, DeRozan is worth consideration, especially if any trade involves Kuzma.
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