The Milwaukee Bucks want to give Giannis Antetokounmpo no reason to consider leaving the franchise. They made a pair of aggressive trades late Monday night to strengthen their roster around Giannis. In doing so, they put themselves at risk of falling apart completely if Giannis leaves. The hope for the franchise is the moves are just what they need to win championships, leading to a Giannis extension
First Trade
Bucks Receive: Jrue Holiday
Pelicans Receive: Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, Three First Round Picks, Rights to Two Pick Swaps
As Adrian Wojnarowski reported, the Pelicans got a massive return of draft compensation for Holiday.
Besides the three future first-round picks going to New Orleans, there are also pick swaps included in the deal, per sources. All in all, this is shaping up to be a draft compensation package similar to New Orleans’ deal for Anthony Davis with Lakers. https://t.co/HbnLxzUI96
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 17, 2020
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Between this and the Anthony Davis trade, New Orleans is loaded in draft capital moving forward.
The Bucks are risking a lot. If things don’t work out, and Giannis does leave, they’re looking at years of limited resources. On the other hand, those picks won’t be much to them if they make the difference in keeping him in Milwaukee.
Holiday is a versatile two-way guard that’s long been considered one of the most underrated players in the NBA. He’s an elite perimeter defender, but his offensive game is versatile as well. Last season he averaged 19.1 points per game with 6.7 assists. He’ll make an already stellar Bucks defense better, but also adds to their offensive versatility.
With Giannis and Kris Middleton in front of him, Holiday becomes one of the league’s best third offensive options.
Second Trade
Following the addition of Holiday, the Bucks added Bogdan Bogdanovic as well from the Sacramento Kings. The deal is a sign and trade.
Bucks Receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic
Kings Receive: Donte DiVincenzo, Ersan Ilyasova, and D.J. Wilson
Breaking: Milwaukee is landing Sacramento’s Bogdan Bogdanovic in a sign-and-trade deal.
The Bucks are trading Donte Divincenzo, Ersan Ilyasova and DJ Wilson in the deal to the Kings, sources tell @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/35Xf4h5fZ7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 17, 2020
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The Bucks move the young and rising DiVincenzo in a package to acquire Bogdanovic.
Bogdanovic is a well-rounded offensive player that adds another dynamic offensive threat to the Bucks roster. Last year with the Kings he scored 15.1 points per game and shot 37.2% from behind the arc. He’s a good ball-handler and is strong creating for others.
While his defensive game is not something to be excited about, he makes up for it on the other end. At 27 years old, he can be expected to be a contributor for years to come.
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