If you know a Milwaukee Bucks fan, lend them some sympathy. Out of every NBA fanbase, they’re a little bit on edge right now. After all, their superstar player has been talking about leaving. Recently, Giannis Antetokounmpo has made some comments that suggest that he won’t be a Buck forever.
Apparently, Antetokounmpo needs the Bucks to be in a position to contend before he’ll commit to them long-term. That’s fair enough. The Bucks had a disappointing 2022-23 season. A first-round elimination won’t satiate a competitor like Antetokounmpo. If the Bucks are going to hang onto him, they need a better performance in 2023-24.
All of which makes Milwaukee a strong candidate to make a trade. The Bucks have a strong roster, but improving it could shore up their title odds. Adding another dynamic offensive player is probably the goal. How about Bojan Bogdanovic of the Detroit Pistons?
The Trade Proposal
Detroit Pistons Receive: F/C Bobby Portis, G/F Grayson Allen, 2029 First-Round Pick (MIL)
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic
On the other hand, don’t shed too many tears for the Bucks. In some respects, they’re precisely in the situation that every team wants to be in. They’ve recently won an NBA title, and they’ve got a chance to win another one. Meanwhile, they’ve got one of the very best players in the NBA on their roster.
Suppose Antetokounmpo forces his way out. Thanks for the memories, Giannis. Oh, and thanks for the assets. Antetokounmpo led this team to their first NBA title since the 70s. If he leaves, the Bucks will get a tremendous haul in return for him. Life isn’t so bad for the Bucks.
NBA NEWS, TRADES & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
So, perhaps their fans can afford to relax. Their front office cannot. The Bucks can’t be content with one championship. Realistically, they need to operate as if they haven’t won one. Would adding Bogdanovic get them closer to their second title in recent years?
Why The Milwaukee Bucks Do The Deal
Absolutely, yes. Bogdanovic is the best player in this trade by a comfortable margin. He’s also a perfect fit with this roster. Antetokounmpo should be surrounded by as much floor spacing as possible. Meanwhile, Bogdanovic is one of the best shooters in the NBA.
With that said, he’s no specialist. Bogdanovic can create his own shot. His ability to knock down contested jumpers would add a new dynamic to this offense. He’s also insurance for the oft-injured Khris Middleton – they are functionally similar offensive players. That’s not to say there’s any concern about overlap – Middleton and Bogdanovic should be able to co-exist perfectly.
NBA NEWS, TRADES & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
What are the Bucks giving up? Well, they’re sacrificing their depth some – but that’s easily a cost worth paying for Bogdanovic. Meanwhile, parting with future draft capital stings, but it’s a price the Bucks have to pay to try to keep Antetokounmpo. If he leaves anyway, they’ll get a lot of draft capital back. Should the Pistons help the Bucks keep their star player?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
The Pistons have a lot of young talent. If even one of their prospects approaches Antetokounmpo’s level of impact, they’ll be blessed. This deal is partly about giving each of them a chance to spread their wings. Bogdanovic is a relatively high-usage player, and he’s well off of this team’s timeline.
With that said, the Pistons don’t have to tank their season by making this deal. They’re adding two quality rotation players. Moreover, Portis and Allen are both more complimentary players who ought to enhance the young guys around them. The Pistons can make this deal and still make meaningful improvements next season.
NBA NEWS, TRADES & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
If they do, they’ll have a new, unprotected first-round pick to show for it. They’ll be adding that pick to a collection that features most of their own draft capital. It could help them trade for a star down the line once they’re competitive. After all, someday, the Pistons will be doing everything that they can to keep a star in town too.
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