The Milwaukee Bucks are about to lose to the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs because, quite honestly, they are not playing well enough. Tyrese Haliburton, their main player, has been dreadful throughout the series, averaging 8.5 points each night and scoring 24 in just his final two games while shooting under 30% from three. Even though he is only scoring 15.8 points per game versus the Bucks, the Pacers lead them three games to none.
Since the beginning of the playoffs, Giannis Antetokounmpo has not played for the Bucks, and Damian Lillard has also missed some time. Although they are not a horrible team, few believe the Bucks will advance to the second round of the playoffs with their injured studs and coach Doc Rivers.
This has been the Bucks’ worst season ever, even after acquiring Lillard, and it appears as though they could be prepared to collapse if Antetokounmpo demands a trade. It’s not surprising given the way the team has been operating lately. Of course, a portion of this can be attributed to players like Antetokounmpo and Kris Middleton, since the more money NBA players want, the less money is available to field a competitive squad around them. The Bucks already lack the talent to form a competitive team around Antetokounmpo, who is scheduled to earn $60 million at some point under his current contract. Just picture what will occur at that point. It’s possible, but not guaranteed, that Antetokounmpo will ask someone out. If he does, players like SLCDunk would like to see the Utah Jazz pursue him. It’s not the worst concept, but the problem that the Bucks are facing will eventually affect the Jazz as well. The Jazz will need to replace their more expensive role players with players they select, but they will need to spend a lot of money in order to
acquire Antetokounmpo in the first place.
Just picture what will occur at that point. It’s possible, but not guaranteed, that Antetokounmpo will ask someone out. If he does, players like SLCDunk would like to see the Utah Jazz pursue him. It’s not the worst concept, but the problem that the Bucks are facing will eventually affect the Jazz as well. The Jazz will need to replace their more expensive role players with players they select, but they will need to spend a lot of money in order to acquire Antetokounmpo in the first place.
It will take to land him, at least in terms of the draft capital cost. If you’re not careful, you can end up looking like the Phoenix Suns. Let’s sort things out if the Bucks wind up trading Antetokounmp for three or even four draft picks and a few guys (Jordan Clarkson, Keyonte George, and Brice Sensabaugh). If it’s higher than that, you really need to be certain you can add talent around the forwards at a reduced cost.
This is historically unattainable for NBA teams.