NBA rumors: The Milwaukee Bucks had a clear plan in NBA free agency, and this was to make sure to keep their core intact. They executed the same early on by renewing the contracts of Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez for a combined $150 million. It was a significant investment, no doubt, but the front office determined that this was the best path forward for the squad as they look to reclaim the NBA title.
NBA Rumors: Bucks Trade for Cole Anthony in Proposed Deal
One glaring roster issue the Bucks are facing right now, though, is the backup point guard position. Jrue Holiday is still going to be Milwaukee’s starter, and the veteran is primed for another big year. However, the problem is that outside of Holiday, the Bucks do not have any other natural point guard on their roster.
James Peircey of NBA Analysis Network appears to have solved this dilemma in a very intriguing trade proposal. Here’s the deal:
Orlando Magic Receive: G/F Grayson Allen, 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – MIL)
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: G Cole Anthony, F Chuma Okeke
Last season with the Magic, Anthony averaged 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, while also knocking down 1.3 triples per game on a 36.4-percent clip. He did this while averaging 25.9 minutes off the bench, which was a significant dip from his 31.7 minutes as a starter in 2021-22. In spite of his move to the second unit, however, the former 15th overall pick was still able to carve out a key role for himself amongst a roster packed with young and hungry talents.
Peircey points out that Anthony’s strength stems from his ability to create his own shot — something that the Bucks will find valuable in the upcoming season:
“This is a score-first point guard who can call his own number too frequently. That’s fine. The Bucks would deploy him as a sixth man. Anthony can carry the team’s second unit while the Bucks’ starters rest,” Peircey wrote.
Chuma Okeke, the 16th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, isn’t a bad acquisition as well as the Bucks add even more bodies to their already able frontcourt. Moreover, Milwaukee could also opt to flip the 24-year-old and his expiring deal prior to the trade deadline.
Grayson Allen: The Odd Man Out
While he might have established himself as a bit of a fan favorite, not to mention an important rotation piece, the fact of the matter is that Grayson Allen can be considered as one of, if not the most dispensable player on the roster. As Peircey points out, Pat Connaughton “is a strikingly similar player” who pretty much brings the same things to the table as Allen does. If the Bucks were to part ways with one of them, it would likely be Grayson Allen.
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