Milwaukee's Worst
So it seems like the days of Larry Harris running the Bucks could be coming to a close soon. Rumors are that the ownership wants to win now and that everyone except Andrew Bogut and Yi Jianlian is available (not sure how that equates to "win now" but that's the hand being dealt). So what can the Bucks do?
Trade #1: Michael Redd and Dan Gadzuric for Tracy McGrady
Redd doesn't have as much wear on him as T-Mac so the Rox have to take Gadzookey's deal but this is the kind of trade that could work for both teams. Redd would be a great addition to the Rockets and would complement Yao. The Rockets could finally run the offense through Ming while Redd could make it impossible for team to double team him. While T-Mac isn't exactly the best complement to Bogut, let's be honest, Andrew isn't good enough for that to be a concern. Tracy is still a superstar and would help improve the Bucks.
Trade #2: Mo Williams and Bobby Simmons for Jason Williams, Ricky Davis, and a first round pick.
Yes, it's a ton to give up. And while this trade is all foresight and little "win now", I think getting a pick (probably top ten protected) and dumping two questionable contracts is worth it. The Heat have no chance of getting under the cap any time soon so letting two expiring contracts like Davis and Williams expire makes no sense. Riley was interested in Mo Wiliams in the past and, talent-wise, this deal is a no-brainer. Are Williams and Simmons enough to get the Heat back into the playoff picture? I don't think so, so getting a lotto pick and cap space for Mo and Bobby is a nice deal. Hell, I might even take Smush off their hands to get the deal done.
Trade #3: Charlie Villenueva, Desmond Mason, and Jake Voskuhl for Ron Artest and Shareef Abdur-Rahim
The Bucks need someone to breath some life into them and if there's one thing that Ron Artest brings, it's some life. More importantly, Artest bring defensive intensity which this team sorely lacks. If the Kings want more, the Bucks could always offer the worse of their own or the Miami pick but I think a deal like this could work out. If the Kings were looking for David Lee and Jamal Crawford (and his crap contract), I think a deal like this could be intriguing.
The Bucks would walk out of that deal with a top 7 of: Jason Williams, T-Mac, Ron Artest, Yi, Bogut with Charlie Bell, Ricky Davis and SAR as the key subs. Not great but it should be able to get into the playoffs in the East and in a year their cap situation will be better and they'll have two first round picks (as well as Artest's expiring contract).
