Although the Bucks are tied for the NBA’s second-best record, they’re in the bottom five in offensive rating, having relied on one of the league’s best defenses during their strong first half. As they look to upgrade their offense, they’re expected to be in the market for help on the wing at the trade deadline, according to Matt Moore of ActionNetwork.com.
The Bucks, Suns, and Rockets reportedly discussed a three-team trade involving Jae Crowder, but it didn’t get done because Houston wanted more draft compensation than Milwaukee and Phoenix were willing to offer. Some league sources who spoke to Moore suggested they wouldn’t be surprised to see the three teams return to that framework and eventually get something done.
Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic is another player who is on the Bucks’ radar, per Moore, and he’d certainly provide the club’s offense with a boost. However, Detroit doesn’t appear eager to move Bogdanovic, Moore adds. Jake Fischer reported earlier this week that the Pistons are believed to be seeking a first-round pick, plus additional draft assets or a young player with upside.
Here are a few more rumors from around the Eastern Conference:
- Sources who have spoken to Moore have indicated that the Raptors are willing to discuss a variety of players but have been seeking a substantial return for their potential trade candidates. Moore says the words “insane,” “astronomical,” and “far-fetched” have been used by his sources to describe Toronto’s asking prices. He adds that the price for OG Anunoby is believed to be higher than it was in the offseason, when the Raptors were reportedly seeking a top-10 pick.
- Although there has been some trade speculation this season centered on Wizards guard Bradley Beal and especially forward Kyle Kuzma, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype has heard that the front office would like to build around Beal, Kuzma, and Kristaps Porzingis long-term and would ideally find a fourth core player to complement that trio.
- As he did last month, Magic wing R.J. Hampton requested and was granted an assignment to the G League in order to get more playing time, reports Khobi Price of The Orlando Sentinel. Hampton played a couple games with the Lakeland Magic last month before returning to Orlando, but has been a DNP-CD in four of eight contests since then and logged more than five minutes just once.
Makes sense for the Raps, I think Siakam and OG are LT building pieces so I think they’d only trade them if they got an overwhelming package
Guess the Wiz front office didn’t learn from giving Wall, Beal, and Porter too much money.
Wizards FO yeah let’s do what we did with Wall Beal and Porter but re do it again with a less talented trio who haven’t made the playoffs together.
Bojan has been a joy to watch on the Pistons, but at 33 I’m sure he’d want to be on a contender, even if he did sign that extension here.
Pistons only gave up Kelly Olynyk and spare parts to get him, so a mid-1st rounder would be an awesome return.
Troy Weaver has done an excellent job as GM. Record doesn’t show it yet, but I really like what he’s done. Only move I didn’t like was when he basically handed Bruce Brown to the Nets for Musa and a 2nd. BB was my favorite Piston at the time.