The Milwaukee Bucks should take advantage of any opportunity to acquire win-now talent for the price of a second-round pick before the NBA’s February 6th trade deadline.
The Bucks are in the early stages of a highly competitive postseason race, with eight Eastern Conference opponents within five-and-a-half games of one another. Milwaukee is in the middle of the pack heading into Monday night, three and a half games ahead of the presently 11-seeded Philadelphia 76ers and two games behind the fourth-ranked Orlando Magic. Marginal changes made at the trade deadline could mean the difference between a playoff spot and a spot in the play-in tournament.
As of Monday night, the Detroit Pistons had a half-game lead over the aforementioned Sixers as the final play-in club. However, as a group attempting to leap
The Pistons, who are making their playoff debut after a lengthy rebuild, do not have a realistic chance of making it far. As the trade deadline approaches, acquiring future draft capital in exchange for serviceable veterans may appeal to their front office. Detroit is likely to outperform front office projections this season, which might lead to the team selling as the strong 2025 Draft class approaches.
A transaction between potential Pistons sellers and a Bucks squad with championship aspirations could look like this:
Bucks get: Malik Beasley.
Pistons get Pat Connaughton and a 2031 second-round selection.
Beasley’s market could be larger than expected, causing him to be traded for more than one second-round pick. Because the Bucks lack expendable future draft capital, they would be unable to acquire the sharpshooter at this price. The second-round pick included is their last second-round pick until the 2031 draft. Detroit might combine the second-rounder with other picks in a larger future transaction to help build out their roster around star Cade Cunningham.
Meanwhile, Connaughton is only included for pay matching purposes.
A reunion with Beasley, who the Bucks lost to free agency this offseason, would significantly improve coach Doc Rivers’ rotation. After his first season with Milwaukee last year, the now 28-year-old veteran is He averaged 16.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists with Detroit. The 6-foot-4 guard has averaged 28.2 minutes per game in 32 games this season. Beasley adds crucial floor space and would thrive alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Beasley is shooting 41.8 percent from three as a Piston, averaging 9.3 threes per game. Beasley is also tied with Minnesota Timberwolves standout Anthony Edwards for the league lead in made three-pointers.
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