Bucks News, Trade Ideas, Transactions - Grayson Extended - 2/$20 million

[Ron Swanson]

Calling Bobby just an energy guy off the bench at this point is a pretty disparaging way to describe his impact. He's basically turned himself in to a bigger, better rebounding version of Marcus Morris. Running down the list, he probably starts on most Eastern conference playoff teams this past year (MIA, BOS, CHA, WAS, BKN).

[soxperry]

Remember when we were all baffled by the Augustine signing, and even more baffled after watching him play? He then became the key contract that we could include in the Tucker deal to match salaries and everyone said something like "the bucks had to do that deal and spend draft capital to get out of that contract." I dont know if i see it that way anymore.

Augustine's contract looked like the Ersan contract at 3 yrs 21 mil. But DJ's contract had a third yeard partial guarantee of only 333k. It was not the albatross many thought it was. Im starting to think that we had eyes on acquiring a guy like pj all along and signed DJ strictly for salary match purposes. As everyone knows, we agreed to trade back 7 slots in the 21 draft. But we also swapped out our own 1sts so that we now have a 1st round pick a year sooner (22) than we would have (23).

In every major american sports league, current picks (or picks that come sooner) are always worth more than picks that are further off (protections being equal of course and in this case they are). So did we actually give anything up in this trade, all things considered? If we did, it wasnt much. Its nothing like the George Hill trade in which we gave up a 1st and a 2nd for Hill and a 2nd. Clearly we spent capital there. We gave up almost nothing to acquire a key piece to our title run.

Fast forward to the draft and i think many of us were disappointed and a little baffled when we traded out of that Rockets 2nd for four 2nds that were all most likely going to be significantly worse draft slots. Then the Grayson Allen trade happened and we were able to get a starter/6th man nba vet for two of the 2nd rounders we acquired in the trade back.

Great job by Horst. He turned pick #24 in the 21 draft (and Sam Merrill) into PJ Tucker, Grayson Allen, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Georgios Kalaitzakis, and got us our first rounder back a year sooner.

[soxperry]

Calling Bobby just an energy guy off the bench at this point is a pretty disparaging way to describe his impact. He's basically turned himself in to a bigger, better rebounding version of Marcus Morris. Running down the list, he probably starts on most Eastern conference playoff teams this past year (MIA, BOS, CHA, WAS, BKN).

Yeah, i had been meaning to comment on that post but its no longer necessary.

I think he had Bobby confused with PJ.

Bobby has turned himself into a very good shooter, especially for a big man. Obviously, he hits 3s at a great clip. He can post up and hit a turn around mid ranger. He has a pretty reliable floater/push shot. And hes good around the rim with aggression but a soft touch. Hes not a great defender but he did get better as the year went on. The fans love him. The team loves him. What else do you want from a guy?

I do expect some regression from his 45% or something 3pt shooting but even at 38-40 thats still very valuable given his size.

[paulpressey25]

Calling Bobby just an energy guy off the bench at this point is a pretty disparaging way to describe his impact. He's basically turned himself in to a bigger, better rebounding version of Marcus Morris. Running down the list, he probably starts on most Eastern conference playoff teams this past year (MIA, BOS, CHA, WAS, BKN).

Against Phoenix, Bobby looked like Tim Thomas. Guarding multiple positions, hitting threes, scoring in the paint.

It’s really up to Bobby if he can build on this. Could see it go either way next season.

[Wonka]

Calling Bobby just an energy guy off the bench at this point is a pretty disparaging way to describe his impact. He's basically turned himself in to a bigger, better rebounding version of Marcus Morris. Running down the list, he probably starts on most Eastern conference playoff teams this past year (MIA, BOS, CHA, WAS, BKN).

Against Phoenix, Bobby looked like Tim Thomas. Guarding multiple positions, hitting threes, scoring in the paint.

It’s really up to Bobby if he can build on this. Could see it go either way next season.

Paul, I’ve been trying to figure out a comp for Bobby and you hit it right on the head. Tim was a bit more athletic in his day but if Bobby can keep putting the work in (unlike Tim) I think he can keep growing and improving both on and off the floor. He has been a huge asset, and much like PJ, we don’t win this title with Bobby.

[raferfenix]

It's hard for me to see Bobby regressing this season.

Not after he gave up millions (once again) to invest in himself and (hopefully) his long term future with this team.

Rather I imagine the Bucks' best pitch we could have made this summer is that we want Portis to be our long term starter we pair with Giannis for years to come.

Lopez has 2 seasons on his contract left and will be turning 35 by the end. Seems reasonable that we'd be planning for a torch-passing at some point.

[soxperry]

It's hard for me to see Bobby regressing this season.

Not after he gave up millions (once again) to invest in himself and (hopefully) his long term future with this team.

Rather I imagine the Bucks' best pitch we could have made this summer is that we want Portis to be our long term starter we pair with Giannis for years to come.

Lopez has 2 seasons on his contract left and will be turning 35 by the end. Seems reasonable that we'd be planning for a torch-passing at some point.

As much as im excited for the novelty of something new, its a bit sad thinking about life without Brook. Im definitely going to miss his personality. That said, maybe his exit is a good time to transition the team from a "good guy," bubbly mindset to more of a "we will burn down your village" kind of thing. I feel like our big 3 can play either side of that coin. Its about who we surround them with. Wait.. first Bobby, now Grayson.. Is it already happening?

[raferfenix]

As much as im excited for the novelty of something new, its a bit sad thinking about life without Brook.

The Bucks might end up moving on from Brook before his contract is done if only due to luxury tax decisions by ownership.

However if we keep him through his contract I could see him returning on a cheap deal if he wants to keep playing after 35.

Who knows how much Lopez cares about starting or even playing big minutes at this stage of his career. For all we know he might prefer to play fewer minutes during the regular season to stay as fresh as possible come playoff time.

Whether Lopez starts or not I could imagine Bobby expecting to play a bigger role moving forward as well.

[WRau1]

It's hard for me to see Bobby regressing this season.

Not after he gave up millions (once again) to invest in himself and (hopefully) his long term future with this team.

Rather I imagine the Bucks' best pitch we could have made this summer is that we want Portis to be our long term starter we pair with Giannis for years to come.

Lopez has 2 seasons on his contract left and will be turning 35 by the end. Seems reasonable that we'd be planning for a torch-passing at some point.

As much as im excited for the novelty of something new, its a bit sad thinking about life without Brook. Im definitely going to miss his personality. That said, maybe his exit is a good time to transition the team from a "good guy," bubbly mindset to more of a "we will burn down your village" kind of thing. I feel like our big 3 can play either side of that coin. Its about who we surround them with. Wait.. first Bobby, now Grayson.. Is it already happening?

I forget who said it in a different thread but they were kind of saying the same thing you are and it makes sense. Obviously we can't compete with the top end talent that other contenders have but if build a team to stop them, tough physical guys that get under your skin at every position is how you do it. That seems to be the route we're taking. Just need to complete the attitude change. Just wish Tucker was a little bit younger.

[crowhead76]

If the Bucks want to try and use their other TPE, Kenyon Martin Jr. would fit.

[raferfenix]

I forget who said it in a different thread but they were kind of saying the same thing you are and it makes sense. Obviously we can't compete with the top end talent that other contenders have but if build a team to stop them, tough physical guys that get under your skin at every position is how you do it. That seems to be the route we're taking. Just need to complete the attitude change. Just wish Tucker was a little bit younger.

Brook is happy go lucky off the court but if the goal is to maximize 'tough physical guys' I don't see why we'd jettison our 7 foot 282lb man in the middle.

Lopez's presence in the paint helped us out a ton on both sides of the ball in the playoffs.

He can be exploited by certain matchups but having the option to go big definitely seems worth it if we don't have a reason to go another direction.

[emunney]

If the Bucks want to try and use their other TPE, Kenyon Martin Jr. would fit.

This lead me to investigate a question I asked earlier, which is what is the point of an exception smaller than the vet minimum? Turns out, even if the contract is minimum *value*, if it was longer than 2 years when signed, it can't be acquired using the minimum salary exception.

Back on topic, I'm intrigued by him but I think there are better options we wouldn't need to trade for.

[crowhead76]

If the Bucks want to try and use their other TPE, Kenyon Martin Jr. would fit.

This lead me to investigate a question I asked earlier, which is what is the point of an exception smaller than the vet minimum? Turns out, even if the contract is minimum *value* if it was longer than 2 years when signed, it can't be acquired using the minimum salary exception.

Back on topic, I'm intrigued by him but I think there are better options we wouldn't need to trade for.

Agreed. KMJ does have some intrigue based on the idea that he could be a 2-5 switchable defender, but he is pretty raw still, I also don't see the advantage for Houston in trading him currently.

I am fully expecting that the line up is pretty well locked in unless Thanasis is not coming back. Keeping Bryant on his NG makes sense until something else shakes loose.

Diakite's NG for next year may keep him around this year to see if he develops.

Sandro signing a 2 year 2-way was pretty solid on Horst's part, especially because Milwaukee does not have a 2nd next year.

[SupremeHustle]

Does this work cap-wise? Something like this at the deadline when the Celtics are clearly out of it:

Donte, Allen and Brook for Jaylen Brown and Robert Williams.

[MiltownHawkeye]

If the Bucks want to try and use their other TPE, Kenyon Martin Jr. would fit.

I know nothing about KMJ's game but there'd be bad juju all over this move

[Fotis St]

Calling Bobby just an energy guy off the bench at this point is a pretty disparaging way to describe his impact. He's basically turned himself in to a bigger, better rebounding version of Marcus Morris. Running down the list, he probably starts on most Eastern conference playoff teams this past year (MIA, BOS, CHA, WAS, BKN).

I agree , but I would even upgrade him to the Robert Horry level of impact for our Championship run. His 3s were so clutch, cutting Suns momentum right at the start. Amazing.

[JonHeist]

Does this work cap-wise? Something like this at the deadline when the Celtics are clearly out of it:

Donte, Allen and Brook for Jaylen Brown and Robert Williams.

might as well ask for Tatum too while we're at it

[Brewhoopfan]

I forget who said it in a different thread but they were kind of saying the same thing you are and it makes sense. Obviously we can't compete with the top end talent that other contenders have but if build a team to stop them, tough physical guys that get under your skin at every position is how you do it. That seems to be the route we're taking. Just need to complete the attitude change. Just wish Tucker was a little bit younger.

Brook is happy go lucky off the court but if the goal is to maximize 'tough physical guys' I don't see why we'd jettison our 7 foot 282lb man in the middle.

Lopez's presence in the paint helped us out a ton on both sides of the ball in the playoffs.

He can be exploited by certain matchups but having the option to go big definitely seems worth it if we don't have a reason to go another direction.

I still have nightmares about watching Thon getting thrown around and the Bucks signing Tyler Zeller to come to the rescue. Yeah, don't underestimate having some beef in the middle.

[Matches Malone]

Does this work cap-wise? Something like this at the deadline when the Celtics are clearly out of it:

Donte, Allen and Brook for Jaylen Brown and Robert Williams.

[Brewhoopfan]

Calling Bobby just an energy guy off the bench at this point is a pretty disparaging way to describe his impact. He's basically turned himself in to a bigger, better rebounding version of Marcus Morris. Running down the list, he probably starts on most Eastern conference playoff teams this past year (MIA, BOS, CHA, WAS, BKN).

I agree , but I would even upgrade him to the Robert Horry level of impact for our Championship run. His 3s were so clutch, cutting Suns momentum right at the start. Amazing.

I seem to remember several times when the Bucks were struggling to make shots, and Bobby would come in and hit a big 3. His willingness to take those shots AND make those shots coming in cold off the bench was crucial. Can't believe he'll be back.