Bucks fans may not have a direct rooting interest in the playoffs, but they should surprisingly be cheering for the division rival Pistons in Round 2. If Detroit is able to win and knock out Cleveland, the Cavaliers may get desperate enough to offer up Evan Mobley in a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade package, which would be an ideal situation for the Bucks. As other ideal trade offers are seemingly disappearing before they're even offered, Mobley's inclusion would be a major win for Milwaukee.
The Bucks would benefit from a Pistons series win
Before the season started, the Cavaliers were expected to dominate the Eastern conference after finishing with the top seed last season. Other perennial contenders such as the Celtics and Pacers faced major injuries last postseason, so the Cavs were expected to fill the vacuum. Instead, the Pistons have arguably taken that mantle by winning 60 games and securing the top seed this season.
Now, the two teams are in the midst of a second-round battle and Evan Mobley's fate could hang in the balance. During the first two games of the series - both Detroit wins - Mobley was a non-factor as the Pistons dominated with physicality. But in Game 3, Mobley bounced back to show his positive impact and strong defense that make him an intriguing trade prospect for the Bucks.
The Cavaliers clearly view Mobley as an important piece of their future right now. They signed him to a maximum contract extension a couple years ago which kicked in last season as he was named an All-Star and won Defensive Player of the Year. But another playoff letdown with their aging backcourt could force them into a desperate move for Giannis.
Milwaukee needs a lucky roll to grant their Giannis dreams
The Bucks have been searching far and wide to find a young star in return for Giannis. Of course, Milwaukee can't expect to receive a young player who will actually match Giannis' impact right away but they are hoping for someone that can eventually grow into that role. Still, most teams with such promising young players may be reluctant to trade them for a 31-year-old coming off his most injured season yet.
Cleveland is a rare exception - a team with a great young prospect that is fully committed to winning now. The Cavaliers are on the timeline of 29-year-old Donovan Mitchell and 36-year-old James Harden; they desperately need to see some immediate playoff success.
If the Cavaliers lose in the second round against the up-and-coming Pistons, they could easily feel the need for a massive upgrade afterwards. Packaging Evan Mobley alongside draft capital for Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a blockbuster trade that's music to the Bucks' ears.
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