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Milwaukee Bucks 2022 NBA Trade Deadline Big Board

By Brian Sampson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 02: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic reaches for the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 02: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic reaches for the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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The Milwaukee Bucks have a history under Jon Horst of striking deals at or near the trade deadline. One year after they acquired a championship-level needle-move in P.J. Tucker, could they do it again in 2022?

Milwaukee’s cupboard of tradeable assets is nearly bare following the plethora of moves they’ve made in recent years. That, combined with the lack of outgoing salaries they have to make a legal trade means they’ve pigeon-holed themselves in players they can acquire. Unless they do something drastic like trade Brook Lopez, Pat Connaughton or Bobby Portis (assuming their Big Three is untouchable), they can only acquire players who make between $5.94 and $12 million in salary this season.

I’ve ranked the top ten players who have had some trade rumor attached to them ahead of Thursday’s deadline. All of them, with the exception of the top guy on the list, fall into the salary range meaning Milwaukee could conceivably move Donte DiVincenzo, Jordan Nwora, Semi Ojeleye, Rodney Hood or some combination of them to match the salary. As far as the lone exception, the Bucks would have to be comfortable with shipping away Lopez in that deal (something I’d be willing to do from Milwaukee’s standpoint.

These top ten guys would address serious needs for the Bucks and help them improve their chances of defending their NBA championship come playoff time.

With the 2022 NBA trade deadline nearly upon us, let’s rank the Milwaukee Bucks’ best and most realistic trade candidates.

1. Myles Turner ($17.5 million)

2. Mitchell Robinson ($1.8 million)

3. P.J. Washington ($4.2 million)

4. Jalen Brunson ($1.8 million)

5. Mo Bamba ($7.6 million)

6. Montrezl Harrell ($9.7 million)

7. Justin Holiday ($6 million)

8. Kenrich Williams ($2 million)

9. Dennis Schröder ($5.9 million)

10. Serge Ibaka ($9.7 million)

Turner is the elephant in the room. Milwaukee would have to ship away Lopez if they can somehow convince the Indiana Pacers to take him back in a deal (I’m not sure how they’d do that). Turner would be an impact player for the Bucks and quickly become part of their championship core for the foreseeable future.

Robinson is someone that hasn’t been linked to the Bucks and probably for good reason. He’s an elite rim defender and rim runner, but would muck up the paint for Giannis Antetokounmpo and co. Still, he’s big and athletic enough to be a huge boost for Milwaukee.

There are other bigs on the list such as Bamba (who would be an intriguing candidate for when the Bucks want to switch everything on defense), Washington, Harrell, Williams and Ibaka who would be nice upgrades as well. It’s unclear if the Bucks have the assets to trade for the first two, but they could probably swing something for the last three.

As for guards and wings, Brunson isn’t going to happen, but I added him to the list anyways. He’s having a terrific season and the Mavericks’ asking price for him is (rightfully) extremely high. Holiday and Schröder are realistic options, however, with the Bucks very recently being linked to Schröder.

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