With the preseason games under way, the NBA rumor mill is still in full flow. To get better, the Milwaukee Bucks must strengthen their guard positions’ defensive setup to free Damian Lillard to concentrate all of his energies on creating offense.
The Milwaukee Bucks and LA Clippers are the subjects of this fictitious deal by Dalton Sell of Behind the Buck Pass. It’s a simple trade: Pat Connaughton and a far-off 2031 second-round selection would go to LA, while Kris Dunn would move to Milwaukee. This is one such action that needs more investigation.
The Bucks and Clippers’ fictitious trade
Dunn would help a Bucks team that takes great satisfaction in shutting down opponents, especially in the backcourt. Dunn is known for his defensive intensity. Milwaukee’s emphasis must now be on counterbalancing their potent attack, which is spearheaded by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, with outstanding perimeter defense. By strengthening a weak area, Dunn might offer the Milwaukee Bucks an advantage in the postseason.
Conversely, the Los Angeles Clippers are no strangers to using calculated actions to increase the depth of their squad. Connaughton gives them extra shooting and experienced knowledge, and the future draft selection gives them more options when assembling a squad. The Clippers would count on Connaughton to get back on track and provide them with a dependable option off the bench, particularly in a scheme that emphasizes ball movement and space.
This is one of those transactions that might not make headlines right away, but it might later on benefit both clubs. Both clubs stand to win from this trade, whether it’s depth for a long playoff run or cutting contracts to prepare for the future.
Let’s examine the advantages this possible transaction offers to each party and determine what each has to gain from these actions.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ core is still present going into the 2024–25 NBA regular season, however there have been concerns expressed about the wellbeing and condition of a few players. Khris Middleton, a forward who has struggled with injuries recently, is one such player.
During the team’s training camp, Middleton’s recuperation from recent operations has been a major source of concern. He has taken part in workouts, but the Bucks are taking their time getting him back to full fitness. Middleton’s comeback should be handled carefully, according to head coach Doc Rivers, who has stressed the need to wait until he is completely recovered before reintegrating him into the starting lineup.
The Bucks have early injury problems.
When media inquired about Khris Middleton’s progress in his recuperation, Rivers responded after the team concluded their training camp:
He was a prolific player. He was on the floor for what I would estimate to be at least 60% of the practice. We removed him every time we went live. I doubt he was overjoyed by that. Although there’s no need for him to do it right now, I believe he believes he can probably accomplish it now.
When Middleton did not play in the Bucks’ preseason opener against the Detroit Pistons, many wondered if he was ready. Although the club hasn’t given any specifics, it’s obvious that they value Middleton’s long-term well-being more than immediate success.
Fair enough, given that he had two arthroscopic ankle operations this summer, the move is in line with the team’s past caution with his recuperation process. While his right ankle was the objective of the second operation, the first dealt with residual problems from a sprain he had suffered in February 2024 on his left ankle.
The current injury scare involving Gary Trent Jr., who was hurt after colliding with Jalen Duren during the preseason game against Detroit, is one more thing that the Bucks are worried about. Trent was lifted from the ground and was clutching his left elbow, clearly in pain.
Trent’s possible absence might affect Milwaukee’s depth and overall strategy as they try to lock down their starting lineup if this eventually develops into a more serious ailment. The specifics of the injury are still being worked out, but any time lost might force the Bucks to make major changes to their starting lineup and game strategy.
The Bucks could need to switch up their starting lineup.
A plethora of alternatives to take the place of the two starting-caliber players have suddenly surfaced. While Rivers has always trusted Pat Connaughton, it’s quite probable that Taurean Prince and Delon Wright be brought in to temporarily replace Middleton and Trent. In the first game, Milwaukee’s two reserve players with the most minutes were Andre Jackson Jr. and AJ Johnson. This might mean that they will get further playing time down the road if necessary.
However, going ahead, it’s almost a given that, when healthy, Trent and Middleton will continue to start at the shooting guard and small forward positions. They may gradually build up due to the team’s attitude to injuries, but it’s unknown how healthy they are at the moment.
Due of Milwaukee’s careful approach to injuries, Middleton has been able to regain his form and make a substantial contribution to the team’s success in the past.
Khris Middleton has been out of the lineup recently, but if he gets well, he will undoubtedly be a vital member of the Bucks starting lineup. His exceptional ability to defend, assist, and score makes him a priceless asset. Together with Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, he makes up a strong trio that is capable of controlling both ends of the floor.
Middleton also demonstrated that he has plenty of energy left in him during the team’s first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, averaging an outstanding 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists over six games, some of which he played as the only star on a squad without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
In Game 3 of that series, he scored an incredible 42 points, demonstrating his exceptional play and his continued value to Milwaukee when healthy. By the end of the regular season, there’s basically no possibility he won’t be in the starting lineup, assuming he stays healthy.
Khris Middleton will undoubtedly play a big part in the Bucks’ success, even if it’s unclear exactly what position he will have in the starting lineup for now. The Bucks’ methodical approach to his recuperation is evidence of their dedication to long-term viability. Middleton is positioned to be a crucial component of the Bucks’ championship hopes as long as he stays healthy.
In order to be in the running for a title this year, the Milwaukee Bucks need to be flexible since other important players like Gary Trent Jr. might sustain injuries. The starting five is obvious when everyone is healthy, but with uncertainty hanging over the team, Doc Rivers may need to go outside the box.
