With a 1-12 record, the Milwaukee Bucks have a lot of issues this season. One of them is their lack of true star power. While Tyler Herro is a former All-Star and is putting up respectable numbers, he has yet to take another step forward. The Bucks need a true star, and they should absolutely keep tabs on New Orleans Pelicans big man Zion Williamson's availability.
Williamson would give Bucks a star
Is Zion Williamson available? It's not quite clear yet, but if the Pelicans do entertain trading away their former first overall pick, they reportedly can't expect a strong return. Speaking on NBA Today, ESPN's Tim MacMahon revealed a conversation he had with an executive about the Duke product and how his trade value is low right now as the group discussed New Orleans possibly shaking things up.
"I was texting with an executive asking about a potential Zion market. He says, 'Can you trade Zion? Sure. Can you get a big return for him? No way.'"
That could be music to Milwaukee's ears if the Pelicans put him on the table. Yes, the big man has his share of injury concerns, which should be a major turnoff after all of the injury issues this franchise has dealt with over the years. However, this team has won one game in 13 tries, and without a true star in the lineup, it could be a long time before they get another win.
It's not like Milwaukee has much to lose. This team doesn't have a draft pick next summer, so it's not like they will reap the rewards from losing. Looking closer at the roster, it's also clear they need help at the power forward spot. Kyle Kuzma doesn't feel like the man for the job in the long or short term. A 26-year-old Williamson could help in both regards.
He's having a solid season right now, averaging 21.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. While Jaime Jaquez Jr. is having a good season, the Bucks don't have anyone outside of Herro who can average numbers like that. If the Milwaukee Bucks could pair that level of production with Herro's, it could make for an interesting one-two punch.
Bucks could face one major roadblock
As mentioned, the Milwaukee Bucks don't have a pick next offseason. The aforementioned Pelicans own the swap rights to it (they get the more favorable pick between the two, while Atlanta will get the less favorable). With the Bucks firmly among the NBA's bottom feeders right now, the Pelicans likely wouldn't want to do anything that would help Milwaukee tack on a few more wins.
Who knows, though. The Pelicans haven't been shy about making some puzzling moves over the last year or so. Maybe the Bucks could talk them into it. Acquiring an overlooked star from New Orleans worked incredibly well in Milwaukee's favor when they went all-in on Jrue Holiday. While Williamson might not produce the same immediate result, he could likely help them at least inch closer.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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