Amid trade rumors, Bucks must monitor rotation situation in Sacramento

The Milwaukee Bucks are off to a 1-1 start in 2024-25, and despite plenty of offseason moves, rumors are still circulating as they look to fix their defensive wing rotation, having given up 109 and 133 points in their opening two games.

It has been reported by NBA insider Jake Fischer that the Bucks are willing to move third-year wing MarJon Beauchamp, who has struggled to make an impact in the Bucks' rotation. Beauchamp has only featured in two minutes and 26 seconds of Milwaukee's games this season and has been overtaken in the rotation by the rookies and sophomores.

The former first-round pick is earning just $2.7 million this season, so no big move will be on the radar regarding him and the Milwaukee Bucks' second apron financial restrictions. A swap may be in the cards, and Fischer said the team is looking to acquire a defensive-minded wing, of which there may be one out in California.

Bucks should monitor Keon Ellis' situation after DNP-CD for Kings

It is only two games into this NBA season, but Keon Ellis being a DNP coach's decision against the Los Angeles Lakers is an intriguing situation and one the Milwaukee Bucks should definitely monitor. The 24-year-old guard started 21 of 57 games last season for the Kings, averaging 5.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and a steal on splits of .461/.417/.743.

One of the Bucks' biggest things to address this offseason was their athleticism and making the roster younger. The additions both in the NBA Draft and free agency have done that, but the defeat to the Chicago Bulls showed they still struggle with teams that are younger and more energetic. If Beauchamp won't feature, adding Ellis to play would then help the backcourt add further defensive depth, and he is a career 42.2 percent shooter from deep.

Ellis is earning just $2.1 million this season, making his contract the perfect value should the Bucks choose to part ways with MarJon Beauchamp and add a wing with a career 113.3 defensive rating (It was 113.4 last season).

Last season, the Kings guard played 17.2 minutes per game; before the DNP against the Lakers, he only saw 11 minutes on the floor in the previous game. With the addition of DeMar DeRozan to Sacramento, Ellis will find his minutes diminishing slightly, but against the Lakers, Jordan McLaughlin was favored over him. If that continues to be the case moving forward, Jon Horst should be looking to contact the Kings front office.

Rumors will continue circling, and it also depends how the Bucks' first month of the season kicks off, but we know Horst isn't afraid to make a move. Ellis should definitely be someone to keep an eye on.

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