On trade deadline day, the Milwaukee Bucks took part in a three-team trade which included the Detroit Pistons and New Orleans Pelicans. The Bucks acquired PF Nikola Mirotic from the Pelicans. In exchange for Mirotic, New Orleans received C Jason Smith, SF Stanley Johnson, and four second-round picks. Detroit recieved C Thon Maker.
In a week that included Marc Gasol traded to the Raptors and Tobias Harris traded to the 76ers, the Bucks may have pulled off the best trade of them all. From a talent perspective, Mirotic may not be better than the two previously mentioned.
Nikola or “Threekola” is a pure sniper from behind the arc. This season is evidence enough, as he’s shooting 37% from three. In 32 games this season (22 starts), he’s averaging 16.7 points and 8.3 rebounds, both career-highs. In addition, his 2.9 3PM per game is tied for the ninth in the league. Not only can he shoot the rock efficiently, but he’s reliable. Amidst all of the Anthony Davis drama in New Orleans, Mirotic has been quietly balling. For the Bucks, however, they’re adding a gem.
Milwaukee is already one of the league’s best team from behind the arc this season, with 13.3 makes per game. The roster is filled with great three-point shooters all around the floor. This includes PG Malcolm Brogdon (42.2%), C Brook Lopez (38.7%), and SF Khris Middleton (38.4%). This is still all without MVP candidate SF Giannis Antetokoumpo, who’s not even known to be an efficient shooter. With Mirotic added to the Bucks, this adds a new dynamic to this Bucks offense.
Mirotic is a great shooter, but his addition means way more than just shooting the three. Surrounding Mirotic with a player like Giannis Antetokoumpo puts teams into a dilemma into how they’d play against Giannis’ style of play. As a player that makes a living in the paint, teams would be reluctant to collapse on Giannis knowing he has more than enough options to drive and kick to. It’s better said than done, but Giannis should have both more room to operate and an easier going in the paint as the season goes on. This acquisition provides
Why does this give the Raptors, 76ers, Celtics or any team in the East a team to fear? Simply because the Bucks have bolstered their scoring output. Also, the Bucks have given the already dominant Giannis Antetokoumpo a lighter load when it comes to his play on offense. They now have two shooting bigs in their (projected) starting five. 6’10” Mirotic, 7’0″ Lopez, and All-Star captain Antetokompo is a mix that should scare the Eastern Conference.
Although, Nikola Mirotic is earning $12.6 million and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. This shouldn’t be a concern for the Bucks. They made this trade to win now, and the expectation is to get to the Finals for sure.
Yet another trade has shaken up the Eastern Conference. Last summer, the Bucks arguably had the best free-agent pickup of the summer (Head Coach Mike Budenholzer). This season, they may have pulled off the best trade. With the best record in the East, if it wasn’t clear already, the Bucks need to be taken seriously. Budenholzer, Antetokoumpo, and Co. will be a serious threat to make it to the Finals for the remainder the season. Toronto, Philadelphia, and Boston need to watch out.
How would you grade the Bucks’ acquisition of Nikola Mirotic? Are the Bucks now the clear favorites in the Eastern Conference?