Milwaukee Bucks trade deadline big board 1.0: Need on the wing

The 2023 NBA trade deadline is February 9th, giving the Milwaukee Bucks a few weeks to figure out if they want to make a move.

It’s been difficult for their front office to evaluate the type of move, if any, they should make ahead of the deadline. On the one hand, Milwaukee is 29-16 and in second place in the Eastern Conference. On the other, Khris Middleton has basically missed the entire season, and Giannis Antetokounmpo and others have missed time as well.

If they decide to make a deal, I’m here to help. I’ve scoured the internet for every rumor and potentially available player then ranked them by preference. The rankings are based on the talent, skill and fit the player would bring to the Bucks, postseason success, and the price tag it would cost to acquire them.

That immediately eliminates several players who would be great fits for the Bucks, but are either out of their price range based on the salary rules of trades or the assets it would require the Bucks to give up to acquire them.

Out of price range: John Collins, Terry Rozier, Eric Gordon, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., O.G. Anunoby, Mike Conley, Myles Turner

The Milwaukee Bucks are in the market for an upgrade, so let’s rank the top trade targets rumored to be available ahead of the deadline.

1. Kelly Oubre Jr., Charlotte Hornets

Oubre has been at the top of my list for a while now, but his injury situation complicates any trade. He underwent hand surgery in early January and isn’t expected to return until mid-February. He’s a versatile defender that would immediately improve Milwaukee’s athleticism and defense. He chucks way too much, but I trust Mike Budenholzer would reign that in if they acquired him.

2. Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks

Milwaukee’s love affair with Bogdanovic continues in these rankings. He missed the first 22 games of the season, but has returned with a vengeance. His shot-making and creation would immediately help the Bucks’ struggling offense. Defense? Ehhhh, not so much.

3. Jae Crowder, Phoenix Suns

Crowder continues to be available for a trade, but it’s now been about nine months since he last appeared in an NBA game. He also wants a starting role and financial security moving forward. We know what he brings on the court, but his off-the-court needs might trump that.

4. Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks

Quickley isn’t nearly as talented as the other guys around him on this list…or is he? He’s stepped up big-time for the Knicks and is showcasing his skills. That further cements my belief that he would be a great fit in the backcourt alongside Jrue Holiday, but his price has also risen significantly.

5. Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz

Clarkson would be a one-man wrecking crew off the Bucks’ bench, helping their offensive woes along the way. He’s a walking bucket who can get hot in a hurry and carry second units. He’s also picked up his offensive efficiency. The price tag of a trade and his defense knock him down to number five.

6. Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons

Normally, I would put Bogdanovic in the “out of price range” category at the beginning of the article. However, Shams Charania of The Athletic reiterated Milwaukee’s interest in him. He would help their offensive woes, but is another aging, unathletic guy that would be added to the roster.

7. Josh Richardson, San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are seemingly open to moving almost any of their players and Richardson is one of three Spurs on this list. He would add another wing defender and above-average shooter to the Bucks, something they probably need more of.

8. Jalen McDaniels, Charlotte Hornets

McDaniels has stepped into a bigger role with the Hornets this season due to their plethora of injuries. His efficiency has dropped a bit, but he’s proven to be a league-average shooter from deep. At 6-foot-10, he would give the Bucks great size on the wing, which they currently lack.

9. Jarred Vanderbilt, Utah Jazz

If the Bucks are going to make an addition to the frontcourt, it will either be a very minor move or a swap of Bobby Portis. Mike Budenholzer loves to use only three bigs in the postseason, dropping these guys toward the bottom of the list. Vanderbilt’s defensive versatility would pair well alongside Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez.

10. Jakob Poeltl, San Antonio Spurs

In the past, Milwaukee has added additional Joel Embiid stoppers in the case of insurance. That’s what Poeltl would be. At 7-foot-1 and 245 pounds, he has the requisite size to battle with Embiid. He would also add defense and rebounding to the center position.

11. P.J. Washington, Charlotte Hornets

Washington is another versatile defender who would be a great fit in Milwaukee. He can defend multiple positions and play alongside either of the Bucks’ top two bigs. He’s shown just enough offense to make sure defenses can’t completely ignore him in the postseason either.

12. John Wall, Los Angeles Clippers

Wall’s name is a newly added one to the trade rumor list. The Bucks could use a true point guard alongside or behind Holiday, as Jevon Carter and George Hill are upgradeable. Wall’s injury history is scary and he doesn’t play much defense. But he can still score and create some offense.

13. Cam Reddish, New York Knicks

I’m not sure if Reddish would see the court if he was on the Bucks, but his low price tag of a second-round pick earns him a spot on this list. He could be part of a bigger deal, too. He’s worth a flyer to add some youth and potential to the roster.

14. Doug McDermott, San Antonio Spurs

If the Bucks simply want to add a bucket-getter, Doug McBuckets is their man. He’ll play zero defense, but give them someone who can score from all over the court.