Bucks News, Transactions, Trade Ideas - Trade Deadline 2/6/25 - 2:00 p.m. CDT

[emunney]

I'm not remotely convinced that LaVine is gonna magically click as a tertiary offense guy and do all the un-sexy stuff that's required of a 3rd option on a contending team. That's why Jimmy is the only dude that moves the championship needle for me. LaVine just feels like the Suns/Beal move all over again. The track record of trying to turn these types of players into a high functioning 3rd option role is pretty bleak.

I agree with your thought to monetize our salary slots now with an asset. Obviously Lavine isn’t the best choice. If he was, he wouldn’t be available.

But I’m taking Zach over Butler for these reasons.

Won’t blow up the locker room like we’ve seen Mason, Capt Jack, etc do.

Is shooting 45% from three. We must have that spacing

Six years younger. Can be part of a big three core for the next couple years.

Doesn’t need to whine about being ‘paid’ the minute he gets here.

Hasn’t quit on his team(s) in the past.

Didn't LaVine quit on the Bulls/Donovan just last year?

[raferfenix]

Not sure how a 3d guy who's only an ok defender like Highsmith would be able to cover the entire perimeter by himself.

Thought he was a significantly better than ok defender, or is that not right?

The following is where I got the idea of the Bucks pulling him into a trade:

As one of the Heat’s best point-of-attack defenders, Highsmith’s main responsibility is usually to defend the opponent’s top perimeter scorer. Highsmith’s 6-foot-5 frame paired with his 7-foot wingspan gives him the versatility and length to effectively guard most positions on the court.

The model that we’ve always kind of built for him is the P.J. Tucker role. He can carve out a great career and a great role doing those kinds of things — the dirty work, sorta say. He’s embraced all that.”

Spoelstra reminded Highsmith of his value to the team before moving him to a bench role on Tuesday.

https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article298946990.html

[El Pooch Grande]

Can we get Lavine with only giving up Midds and PatC? Would be nice to keep Bobby under that scenario.

[ShootingtheJ]

I'd be willing to bet the Bucks have zero interest in Butler and Lavine, and are only involved in this deal because the Heat like Portis. I wouldn't be surprised if the readon the Suns split their pick in 3 is to send 1 to us for routing Portis to Miami.

[ShootingtheJ]

Can we get Lavine with only giving up Midds and PatC? Would be nice to keep Bobby under that scenario.

Only if you send out 4 or 5 other players, so not realistically.

[emunney]

Not sure how a 3d guy who's only an ok defender like Highsmith would be able to cover the entire perimeter by himself.

Thought he was a significantly better than ok defender, or is that not right?

The following is where I got the idea of the Bucks pulling him into a trade:

As one of the Heat’s best point-of-attack defenders, Highsmith’s main responsibility is usually to defend the opponent’s top perimeter scorer. Highsmith’s 6-foot-5 frame paired with his 7-foot wingspan gives him the versatility and length to effectively guard most positions on the court.

The model that we’ve always kind of built for him is the P.J. Tucker role. He can carve out a great career and a great role doing those kinds of things — the dirty work, sorta say. He’s embraced all that.”

Spoelstra reminded Highsmith of his value to the team before moving him to a bench role on Tuesday.

https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article298946990.html

Need to point out that the honor of 'one of the [Heat's] best point-of-attack defenders' doesn't require you to be better than any good point-of-attack defenders. Effective is a fair adjective. PJ Tucker *role* is also fair, but he's clearly not as good at any of it as PJ Tucker was.

[-Jragon-]

Yes, again, this is all about the increasingly worrisome scenario where Khris' body just can't hold up any more. If everything was fine behind the scenes and this was all simply pre-determined load management to play him 40-50 games at 24-minutes a night, then we wouldn't be hearing this stuff about him being on the block. Can't just ignore the very real possibility that the organization and the medical staff have determined that we've reached Defcon 5 with his health/durability, and that it's better for the team to flip him for a player you can actually rely on for 30+ minutes a night.

Lavine is the bridge guy who keeps us in contention this year and next year.

Medical is the big issue. Otherwise he’s having an amazing season.

I'm not remotely convinced that LaVine is gonna magically click as a tertiary offense guy and do all the un-sexy stuff that's required of a 3rd option on a contending team. That's why Jimmy is the only dude that moves the championship needle for me. LaVine just feels like the Suns/Beal move all over again. The track record of trying to turn these types of players into a high functioning 3rd option role is pretty bleak.

The message is going to hit differently when it's the Greek Freak saying bro do X and Y and we're going to be in the final 4 teams with a chance at a ring. Lavine has been part of a nice Bulls defense for awhile now and he's hitting 45% from 3 rn... think he'd fit pretty well.. Durant-like TS%, passes like KM... quicker, fast break type player that would easily start games and finish

[-Jragon-]

With Zach, he stays in front 1v1 well but rough when he's screened, like Dame. With a Dame/Lavine G duo we might have to average 140 per game.. but they might, so there's that lol

[packer396]

Works on the fanspo checker

https://fanspo.com/nba/trade-machine

Don’t trust the Fanspo system.

Try using Spotrac’s system; it’s better calibrated toward honoring the new CBA rules.

Using Sportac:

Bulls out: Lavine, Smith
Bills in: Beal, Marjon 1st from PHX

Bucks in: Lavine, Smith 1st from PHX
Bucks out: Khris, Bobby, Pat, Marjon, 2nd

Heat in: Khris, Bobby, 1st from PHX
Heat out: Butler

Pistons in: Pat, 2nd from MKE, 2nd PHX
Pistons out: Cash considerations

Suns in: Butler
Suns out: Beal, 3 1st, 2 2nds

I’m more impressed I found a combo that works with the CBA than the trade itself haha. Thoughts?

I think the 1st you have the bucks getting would have to go to the Bulls/Bills instead but otherwise think this about right (assuming its legal) from a value perspective

[humanrefutation]

It's starting to appear to me that the simplest solution is to just cut out Phoenix and do a Bucks/Heat deal with a third team just to take on some salary in exchange for minor draft compensation.

No one wants to end up with Beal.

[ShootingtheJ]

Lavine is the bridge guy who keeps us in contention this year and next year.

Medical is the big issue. Otherwise he’s having an amazing season.

I'm not remotely convinced that LaVine is gonna magically click as a tertiary offense guy and do all the un-sexy stuff that's required of a 3rd option on a contending team. That's why Jimmy is the only dude that moves the championship needle for me. LaVine just feels like the Suns/Beal move all over again. The track record of trying to turn these types of players into a high functioning 3rd option role is pretty bleak.

The message is going to hit differently when it's the Greek Freak saying bro do X and Y and we're going to be in the final 4 teams with a chance at a ring. Lavine has been part of a nice Bulls defense for awhile now and he's hitting 45% from 3 rn... think he'd fit pretty well.. Durant-like TS%, passes like KM... quicker, fast break type player that would easily start games and finish

There isn't a world where a team can field a competitive defense with Lavine and Dame sharing the court. The Bulls defense is awful, including with Lavine on the floor. The only nice thing about the Bulls defense is how generously they give their opponents open shots.

[soxperry]

It's starting to appear to me that the simplest solution is to just cut out Phoenix and do a Bucks/Heat deal with a third team just to take on some salary in exchange for minor draft compensation.

No one wants to end up with Beal.

well, there are certainly teams that would take on his salary for picks. but you have the no trade clause.

and there are certainly have teams that he would waive the no trade clause to go to, but they dont want him.

the absolute only thing that makes me think i'm wrong, and that there is a team lurking for him, is the Suns trading their 31 1st for the three others. I can't imagine they would do that without knowing they had something.

[jakecronus8]

With Jimmy’s option and Beal’s NTC it just illustrates how the players have far too much power with the rosters now. I wonder if we’ll ever see a NTC clause given out again. Even Giannis doesn’t have one, right?

ETA: as much as im not a fan, I’d kill to have it in baseball. MLB’s structure has killed my love for that sport.

[jakecronus8]

After all this hubbub, I think what ultimately happens is Dame 2.0.

Butler wants Phoenix and only Phoenix. That’s not an option so he ends up with us.

Now another wiretap headline that Jimmy is open to everyone but Memphis and Miami.

This is still the outcome, imo.

Can’t wait for the Connaughton announcement. Then shts gonna hit the fan.

[ShootingtheJ]

It won't be long before Horst puts out statements that the Bucks also have no interest in Butler and Lavine.

[raferfenix]

If the Suns are lucky enough to have the Bulls to offload Beal onto good for them:

Sources say Phoenix, to name one example, could emerge with interest in exploring a swap of Bradley Beal for LaVine, sources said, depending on how the rest of the trade landscape develops in the coming weeks. – via marcstein.substack.com

I wouldn't do it if I were Chicago even if I'd be getting 1 or even 2 of those cruddy Jazz picks. But I'm no FIB.

Problem for Phoenix is the athleticism-deprived Bucks might be the only team who'd even consider taking on LaVine for players with contracts the Heat are interested in.

I do think Horst is considering it but who knows how close it is.

[ShootingtheJ]

With Zach, he stays in front 1v1 well but rough when he's screened, like Dame. With a Dame/Lavine G duo we might have to average 140 per game.. but they might, so there's that lol

Lavine doesn't stay in front of anyone, he doesn't even bother getting in a defensive stance.

[El Pooch Grande]

It's starting to appear to me that the simplest solution is to just cut out Phoenix and do a Bucks/Heat deal with a third team just to take on some salary in exchange for minor draft compensation.

No one wants to end up with Beal.

Where we end up with Butler I assume? This is the most ideal scenario to me through all these rumors. Jimmy's camp has stated he will go anywhere but Memphis and wants to retire with his new team. Would seem to align for a Gianns/Dame/Jimmy Big 3 for at least 2-3 more years in addition to this one.

[ShootingtheJ]

It's starting to appear to me that the simplest solution is to just cut out Phoenix and do a Bucks/Heat deal with a third team just to take on some salary in exchange for minor draft compensation.

No one wants to end up with Beal.

Where we end up with Butler I assume? This is the most ideal scenario to me through all these rumors. Jimmy's camp has stated he will go anywhere but Memphis and wants to retire with his new team. Would seem to align for a Gianns/Dame/Jimmy Big 3 for at least 2-3 more years in addition to this one.

Simplest thing is for the Bucks to avoid the deal all together, and let Chicago send Lavine to Miami. There's no value here for the Bucks.

[jakecronus8]

It would be amazing if Horst was actually holding up a deal demanding draft compensation.