The Milwaukee Bucks' rumored trade interest in Jimmy Butler was interesting to consider, but it was always a long-shot that they might actually land him.
With multiple outlets reporting that Butler's team has told the Bucks to hold off on their pursuit of him, it's clear that they will likely pivot elsewhere. While they won't find another superstar like Butler on the trade market, there are a handful of targets who could help patch one of this roster's prominent flaws, which is their lack of athleticism, speed and quickness at the center position.
With all that said, let us analyze three targets the Milwaukee Bucks could target to patch this issue.
Nick Richards, Charlotte Hornets
There's a lot to like about Nick Richards. He's 27, mobile, an excellent shot-blocker and, perhaps most important for a cash-strapped team like the Milwaukee Bucks, makes just $5 million. He checks off all of the boxes for a team that is reportedly hunting for a rim-running lob threat to complement starting center Brook Lopez.
Sticking with the financial point, the Bucks could make an offer without gutting significant assets like countless other targets across the NBA. They could offer Pat Connaughton's $9.4 million salary and draft capital to entice Charlotte. Other NBA teams may have compelling offers, so that may just be a starting point for Milwaukee.
Larry Nance Jr., Atlanta Hawks
While his recent injury certainly complicates things, Larry Nance Jr. is still a compelling trade target for the Bucks. He's a 6-foot-8 player capable of lining up at power forward or center, and he has the athleticism to guard opponents of all shapes and sizes, even on the perimeter. That versatility is just what the Milwaukee Bucks lack at the center spot right now.
Nance is more complicated than Richards from a financial perspective because he makes more than $11 million. To get him, the Milwaukee Bucks would have to move Bobby Portis and his $12.6 million salary. Plenty of Milwaukee fans would have no issue with that, given just how much it feels like the Bucks need an infusion of athleticism at the center spot, something they aren't getting from Portis.
Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers
Of these three, Robert Williams III has the highest upside, but he'd also be the highest gamble. When he's healthy, Williams is a formidable defender who can protect the hoop but also switch onto plenty of players on the perimeter. He's the type of electric athlete this team needs, but he also brings with him plenty of injury risk, as he has battled the injury bug over the past several years.
The Bucks, who have plenty of problems already staying healthy, would be playing with fire by trading for Williams, but the upside may make it worth it. His defense and athleticism at center could be just what the doctor ordered. The likeliest path involves the Milwaukee Bucks swapping him for Portis, and plenty of people would argue that's a worthy transaction for Milwaukee's sake.
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