Through the first half of the season, it is safe to say that as currently constructed, the Milwaukee Bucks are not championship contenders nor are they a shoo-in playoff team. Through 42 games, the Bucks are 18-24, and if the season ended today, they would not be in the playoffs in a subpar Eastern Conference.
This has led to Giannis Antetokounmpo being at the center of trade rumors, although the superstar has not explicitly requested a trade yet. Anything can happen between now and the February 5th trade deadline, but an Antetokounmpo deal looks unlikely at this time.
Milwaukee has been exploring all avenues to upgrade the roster around Antetokounmpo so they can at least compete in the East. There is one big move they could make, and even though it comes with some risk, the Bucks have to try something.
Milwaukee should take a swing to acquire Memphis guard Ja Morant
Morant has been a shell of himself this season, although it is hard to distinguish between whether or not he has actually declined, or if his lack of engagement is his way of saying he wants to leave the Grizzlies.
Morant has come out and said that he does not want to be moved, and while Memphis is reportedly comfortable with keeping the star guard, it is hard to imagine them declining a good offer for the point guard.
The Bucks don’t have a lot of attractive trade assets, with Ryan Rollins likely profiling as the only real piece the Grizzlies would be interested in. As good as Rollins has been, Morant’s ceiling as a player is much higher. While he may not be the superstar he used to be, his playmaking and athleticism would help Milwaukee out a lot. Those are two skills that no one outside of Antetokounmpo possesses.
Morant at his best is still a guy that is capable of producing 20 points per game and seven or so assists on a nightly basis. Players of his caliber do not come around often, especially at this low of a price. The Bucks have to try something to save their season and Morant could fit that bill. Yes, he has had injury concerns of his own, but he has picked up his play lately.
Milwaukee is going nowhere fast. With the trade deadline two weeks away, standing pat would be a mistake. Getting Morant and pairing him with Antetokounmpo may not be the most perfect fit, but the Bucks have to at least try something.
