Milwaukee Bucks Moving Up

The Milwaukee Bucks currently hold the 15th overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, but would they be better off moving up?  A few weeks ago there was a rumor that the Bucks and Washington Wizards were discussing a deal the was centered around the third overall pick and Ersan Ilyasova.

It is unlikely that the Wizards would agree to a direct swap of the third overall pick for Ilyasova.  If the Bucks are willing to send their 15th overall pick to the Wizards and take on Trevor Ariza or Nene's contract, then there is a real possibility this deal could get done.

For the Bucks, if this deal is able to get done, it would be a great trade for them now and in the future, but only if they acquire Trevor Ariza, who only has a year remaining on his contract.  The Bucks would be able to unload the underperforming, overpaid Ersan Ilyasova, while acquiring a veteran scorer on a one year deal, and most importantly, move up in the draft.

With the third overall pick the Bucks would have many options, but their best option would be drafting point guard Trey Burke.  Trey Burke is a strong, physical guard who is an above average shooter that possesses decent range, and is an exceptional passer.  He does need to improve slightly defensively, but he is a true point guard, who would fit nicely in the Bucks starting lineup along Larry Sanders and John Henson.

The Milwaukee Bucks need to make a splash in this year's NBA Draft, and to do so, they need to acquire the third overall pick and select the highly talented Trey Burke.

Milwaukee Bucks Need to Trade the Turkish Thunder

The "Turkish Thunder," Ersan Ilyasova, has been a solid player throughout his career with the Milwaukee Bucks, but he has never developed into the star the Bucks hoped he would, averaging 10.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.

His stats are excellent if he was a role player but not for a sixth man/starter making $40 million over five years.  The Bucks made a huge mistake last summer signing him to this outrageous contract and it is time for them to fix it.

The Bucks do not have a need for Ilyasova with up incoming star John Henson manning the four position for the years to come.  They need to trade Ilyasova and acquire players who will be financially cheaper and help them in the future.

Acquiring MarShon Brooks from the Brooklyn Nets would be the solution.  He is an athletic guard, with tons of upside, but he is stuck behind six-time NBA All-Star Joe Johnson, making him a moveable player for the Nets.  Brooks is a dangerous shooter from inside, but he does need to improve he shooting range and defense in order to become a well-rounded player.  MarShon Brooks needs a change of scenery and Milwaukee is the best fit for him.

Trading Ersan Ilyasova might not be a popular decision, but it is a move the Bucks need to make.  Ilyasova is overpaid for his limited production on the court and does not fit into the Bucks future plans, making him expendable.  They need to acquire a young, dynamic scorer and MarShon Brooks is the guy who makes the most sense for the Bucks now and in the future.