Every NBA team needs a balanced roster. It doesn’t matter what their situation is. A contending team needs the right mix of players. Meanwhile, a rebuilding team needs space to let all of their young players shine.
The Orlando Magic do not currently have that balance. This is a young team on the rise. The Magic have a lot of talent. They just have too many point guards. Between Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony, this team has a glut of young floor generals with similar skill sets.
By contrast, the Milwaukee Bucks are lacking in point guard play. Jrue Holiday is a star, but after him, the rotation gets bleak. Goran Dragic is too old to rely on. The Bucks could use an infusion of young talent at that position. Could they acquire Cole Anthony from the Magic?
The Trade Proposal
Orlando Magic Receive: G/F Grayson Allen, 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – MIL)
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: G Cole Anthony, F Chuma Okeke
On the other hand, some will argue that the NBA is now a positionless league. Log jams don’t matter. Teams can run three-guard lineups. What exactly is the issue here?
Well, positional overlap may not be a massive concern. Overlapping skill sets are a different story. There’s a common thread between all of the point guards in Orlando. They’re mostly good playmakers and defenders, but none of them are reliable shooters.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
So, those three-guard lineups aren’t likely to be viable. Eventually, Orlando is going to have to sort this out. They’ve got a surplus of positional size and playmaking – that’s great. Without proper floor spacing, they won’t be able to take advantage of it. Should they acquire Allen with that in mind?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
We think so. This is a no-brainer for Orlando. They’re landing a player who fits their needs to a tee. Allen is a solid defender who makes hustle plays. Most importantly, he’s a knockdown shooter who can keep the floor spaced for Orlando’s playmakers.
Meanwhile, this pick swap counts for something too. Sure, the Bucks are contending right now. Still, 2029 is a long time from now. The Magic are on the rise, and the Bucks are in win-now mode. It’s entirely possible that by 2029, this swap will convey.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Even if it doesn’t, this is a good move for them. Once again, the Magic need to clear this logjam. There won’t be room for all of these players to thrive together. Sending out Anthony for a better short-term fit has its own benefit. Is Anthony a good fit in Milwaukee?
Why The Milwaukee Bucks Do The Deal
Absolutely. For the Bucks, Allen is expendable. Pat Connaughton is a strikingly similar player. He’s got nearly the exact same skillset as Allen. The Bucks should flip one of them for a player who can create his own shot.
Anthony can do that. Granted, he’s got flaws. Anthony can get tunnel vision. This is a score-first point guard who can call his own number too frequently. That’s fine. The Bucks would deploy him as a sixth man. Anthony can carry the team’s second unit while the Bucks’ starters rest.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Finally, the Bucks don’t need to worry about 2029. This team has a win-now title window. If they walk away from the Antetokoumnpo era with even one more championship, they won’t be lamenting a swap in 2029. This deal helps them work towards that goal – it gives them better roster balance.
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