Heading into their first NBA Finals since 1974, the Milwaukee Bucks can easily just run it back as-is next season. Worst case-scenario, they will be the defending Eastern Conference champs. And one of the preseason favorites to win the title.
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But running it back as-is wouldn’t be that much fun. In his piece giving an offseason trade idea to every NBA team, Dan Favale of Bleacher Report had this one for the Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Harrison Barnes
Sacramento Kings receive: Brook Lopez, Donte DiVincenzo, No. 31 overall pick-2021 NBA Draft
The Bucks have played small-ball very effectively when everyone is healthy, with Lopez proving effective in spots where he’s been called upon (see Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals). But he’s also expensive to have in that kind of a role, with two years and $27.2 million left on his contract. The Bucks could use Barnes as a combo forward and scorer, and possibly a small ball-5. Then they’d add a cheaper big man in free agency. As Favale cited, not losing Bobby Portis after he inevitably declines his $3.8 million player option makes this deal more viable for the Bucks. Barnes also has two years left on his contract, at a total of roughly $38.6 million.
DiVincenzo was an apple of the Kings’ eye not that long ago. But he’s working his way back from a season-ending ankle injury now. He’s also entering a contract year. The first pick the Bucks own in the upcoming draft is the first pick of the second round. So it’s not a major needle mover for any deal, and the Kings may not require it as a sweetener. But it’s also an easy inclusion for Milwaukee when it comes down to it.
What would Harrison Barnes bring to the Bucks?
In 58 games this past season, Barnes averaged 16.1 points per game on a career best 49.7 percent shooting (39.1 percent from 3-point range). He also averaged career-highs in rebounds (6.6), assists (3.5) and minutes per game (36.2). No matter who the fifth guy was, a starting five with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Barnes would be dangerous with capital “D”.
