The Milwaukee Bucks may be in trouble. The rest of the NBA knows it. Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it very clear. If the Bucks don’t look poised to make another title run soon, he could head elsewhere. The Bucks need to avoid that fate at all costs.
On the other hand – it could be worse. Antetokounmpo is still a Buck. This team isn’t far removed from winning a championship. They have the pieces to win another. The Bucks don’t need to overhaul their roster. All they need to do is make some minor changes, and they could be well-positioned to make another title run.
What do the Bucks need? Frankly, nothing especially stands out. This is a championship-caliber team. With that in mind, a 3-and-D wing is always useful. The Bucks could stand to shore up their forward rotation. Could they do so by acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F Grayson Allen, G/F MarJon Beauchamp, C Robin Lopez
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: F Dorian Finney-Smith
Let’s say Antetokounmpo does leave the Bucks. They won’t get a lot of sympathy around the league. After all, the Bucks did win an NBA title. That’s a difficult accomplishment – some teams never manage to accomplish it.
Look at the Nets. This team doesn’t have an NBA title in their entire franchise history. It’s not for a lack of trying, either. The Nets put a superteam together just recently. With Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving on the roster, this team was supposed to make a deep playoff run. In the end, it was the Bucks that they couldn’t vanquish.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
So, if the Bucks lose Antetokounmpo, they’ll be lucky to have had him at all. That may appease fans, but it shouldn’t satisfy this front office. The Bucks still need to do whatever they can do to keep Antetokounmpo in town. Does acquiring Finney-Smith help that cause?
Why The Milwaukee Bucks Do The Deal
Parting with Beauchamp would sting. He’s got a lot of potential. With that said, he’s doubtful to play a meaningful role in this team’s rotation next year. Sophomores usually aren’t key to title runs. Meanwhile, the Bucks need to be focused on making a title run at any cost.
Finney-Smith could help. Granted, he’s an inconsistent three-point shooter. Still, when he is connecting from distance, he’s among the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA. Still, even when Finney-Smith isn’t connecting from distance, he’s a stout, multi-positional defender.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Meanwhile, Allen is rendered expendable by the presence of Pat Connaughton. Let’s be honest – Lopez is here for the vibes. All told, the Bucks would improve their title odds by flipping Beauchamp for Finney-Smith. Should the Nets be interested in Beauchamp?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The dissolution of that superteam has left the Nets in a weird place. They’ve got enough talent on their roster to stay competitive, but they aren’t title contenders. Tanking isn’t an option, either. In acquiring Harden, the Nets forfeited control of their draft through to 2027. What should the Nets do?
We’re not sure. With that said, they should probably start by trading a 3-and-D wing. Between Finney-Smith, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, and Royce O’Neale have a surplus of these types of players. The Nets should diversify their assets. Why not take a flier on an exciting young player?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
After all, Beauchamp could be a highly valuable player if he hits his ceiling. He’s got ample potential as a defensive playmaker, and he’s flashed some shot creation as well. The Nets should be happy to land him – even if it means helloing the Bucks keep Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
