The Milwaukee Bucks have overcome a shaky start to the season by winning six out of their last seven games to improve their record to 8-9, which is good enough to be the provisional No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. While the Bucks likely will maintain a Playoff pace, they can’t be looked at as credible contenders with the form of teams like the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. There are roster issues that the team has to confront ahead of making any potential plans for contention.
With the Brooklyn Nets reportedly listening to offers on almost every player on their roster, the Bucks have to try and maximize the potential fire sale for the surprisingly competitive Nets franchise and land some budget deals. There are two players in particular that can change the Bucks’ competitive hopes entirely, with it being recently reported that the team is interested in Cam Thomas and Dorian Finney-Smith. But acquiring the pair will come at a hefty cost.
Trade Details
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Cam Thomas, Dorian Finney-Smith
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, 2031 First-Round Pick (MIL), 2031 Second-Round Pick (MIL)
The Bucks receive two players who instantly would have a positive impact on the roster on both ends of the court. Thomas is a young scoring machine with room to grow while Finney-Smith is a veteran big who can play and guard multiple positions on the court while being a serviceable weapon from three. It would cost local favorite Bobby Portis and their remaining tradeable draft capital, but it would be worth it.
The Bucks Add More Playable Depth
The Bucks are trying to be competitive this season by essentially running MASH unit lineups where they’re throwing whatever sticks next to Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Khris Middleton‘s impending return from injury should smoothen the rotation out, but it’s clear Doc Rivers is still workshopping the finer elements of the starting five, primarily who will be the two-guard and the small forward.
This deal would address that, adding Thomas, who’s averaging 24.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists this season to the Bucks. He’d be a phenomenal offensive complement to Lillard in the backcourt, with defensive concerns likely covered up by the presence of Finney-Smith, who’s averaging 10.8 points and 4.5 rebounds on 41.0% from three this season. Both players could potentially be starters to boost the Bucks into having one of the most competitive lineups in the NBA.
Finney-Smith’s positional versatility means he can play across frontcourt positions, even logging occasional minutes at center for the Nets last season. His presence could allow the Bucks to lessen Brook Lopez’s load and play Giannis at the center with Finney-Smith and Taurean Prince as floor-stretching forwards next to Thomas and Lillard.
The options become far more appealing at the NBA level instead of living with AJ Green playing all offense and no defense while Andre Jackson or MarJon Beauchamp play all defense with minimal offensive output.
The Nets Get Good Value Ahead Of Their Tank
The Nets have been surprisingly competitive this season, starting this year with an 8-10 record with a signature win over the Golden State Warriors last night. If needed, the Nets could make a push for the Playoffs with their veteran core led by Dennis Schroder. But it seems eventually focusing on losing and tanking for the 2025 NBA Draft will be their focus, which requires them to get rid of the winning talent on the roster.
This deal would give Brooklyn Bobby Portis Jr., who’s averaging 13.1 points and 7.6 rebounds this season and could be traded further to a third team for additional value. Pat Connaughton is a veteran with two years left on his deal, with the Nets likely being able to absorb him into the team as a well-liked veteran for next season where they’ll likely be fielding a lot of rookies from their multiple 2025 first-round picks.
If getting value is the best way forward, the Nets will hang onto that Bucks 2031 pick like it’s one of the most valuable in the NBA given the state of flux the franchise could find themselves in without any tradeable assets for the next seven years. A failed season in Milwaukee could kick-start years of troubles which the Nets could benefit from.
The Bucks’ Last Chance At Competing
The Bucks can’t push for a championship with their current roster, but a trade like this gets them the pieces they need to be reliable threats over the season. Thomas adds another offensive dimension to a team entirely reliant on either Giannis or Lillard to produce offensively for them to win games. With Khris Middleton’s impending return, the Bucks would have a competent eight-man rotation they can rely on come Playoff time.
The franchise has to continue its commitment to building around Giannis and acquire these talents while they’re still on the market. Their price will likely go up closer to the deadline as teams look to make similar value upgrades to their roster. Moving fast on this would be in their best interests, especially if they want to continue pushing for titles with Giannis as their superstar before Giannis changes his mind.
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