The Milwaukee Bucks looked poised to contend for the next decade coming off their championship in 2021. The following year, they lost in the second round and fired Mike Budenholzer, and in the three seasons after that, they failed to make it past the first round.
It was clear that Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez were no longer elite players, and the Bucks opted to add an injection of offense, flipping point guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Damian Lillard in 2023.
Lillard is the best player to ever share the floor with Giannis Antetokounmpo, although the two did not fit as perfectly as Holiday and Antetokounmpo did, and the Bucks were unable to right the ship.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Jrue Holiday #21 and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks talk during a free throw against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on December 29, 2020 in Miami, Florida. 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 Reaves/Getty Images)
Trade Pitch Brings Holiday Back to Milwaukee Bucks
After buying out Lillard’s remaining contract, the Bucks signed Myles Turner in an effort to replace Lopez as a floor-spacing center. Antetokounmpo has made it clear that he doesn’t mind stepping up into a facilitating role, although he is far from a traditional point guard.
On top of that, aside from Antetokounmpo, the Bucks don’t really have many versatile defenders. Even though Holiday is past his prime, he is one of the best on-ball hounds in the league.
“In a potential trade, the Trail Blazers could send Holiday to the Bucks in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Ryan Rollins, and draft capital,” pitched Athlon’s Nathaniel Holloway on September 23rd.
After finishing last season strong, Portland might want to make a playoff push this season, although Holiday simply does not fit their timeline, and young guards like Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson will certainly command minutes.
Kuzma and Rollins aren’t exactly world-beaters, although they are both younger than Holiday and on shorter contracts, giving the Trail Blazers some flexibility down the road. The Bucks have limited draft capital and a deal can’t be completed until mid-January, so by then, both teams should be able to assess their needs.
Bucks Can Compete In the East
With the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers poised to take a step back, the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks are expected to be the frontrunners in the East. The Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, and Philadelphia 76ers will all prove to be tough.
However, Antetokounmpo is easily the best player in the East and could rival Nikola Jokic as the best player in the world if he can step up into a playmaking role.
With Holiday’s defense and off-ball scoring abilities, the Bucks are sure to take a leap with a well-rounded trio of him, Antetokounmpo, and Turner.
The Blazers should have a fair share of suitors this season, especially if Holiday can remain productive on both ends, and the Bucks might not be the only team in the running.
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