After a disappointing run last season, the Milwaukee Bucks will need a recent spark to energize them in the upcoming season. Right now, the most realistic move they can make is to acquire Brandon Clarke from the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Bucks begin the 2024-25 NBA season with a refreshed lineup after a relatively serene off-season. After a disappointing playoff performance last year, the team focused on maintaining its core lineup while making strategic changes. Key players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Damian Lillard remain crucial to the team’s ambitions.
The Bucks have retained a veteran presence, allowing experienced players like Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis to continue to provide leadership and depth. However, several players left in the off-season, creating a need to enhance the hiring of emerging talent. New signings such as Taurean Prince and Gary Trent Jr. are expected to strengthen the squad, providing versatility and scoring ability.
The projected depth chart shows a mix of established stars and promising newcomers. Giannis is expected to be in the starting lineup as a forward, complemented by Middleton and Lillard in key scoring roles. To remain competitive throughout the season, the bench will rely on Portis and the newly acquired players.
Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies is a potential trade target for the Milwaukee Bucks
While landing a large name won’t be possible in the near future, there’s nothing stopping Milwaukee from acquiring Clarke. The reason is explained in more detail in Eric Pincus’ NBA Analysis for Bleacher Report.
“The Bucks have an aging, expensive roster with minimal flexibility to build around stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Above the second stripe, Milwaukee is limited to deals that don’t add salary or account for aggregated players.
With Portis likely to forgo his $13.4 million cap hit for the 2025-26 season, the Bucks may want to deal him now if it proves too expensive to keep him. One option could be Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies, an athletic forward who is coming off an Achilles tendon injury.
This assumes that Clarke has returned to his energetic, destructive personality. The Grizzlies are hoping to return to the playoffs after a down year, and Portis would be a strong candidate,” Pincus wrote.
Within in his five-year careerClarke averaged 10.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He also shot 55% from the field in 21.3 minutes per game during that span.
As the Bucks look to regain championship form, their success will depend on the chemistry between their stars and the performances of their supporting cast. As the Eastern Conference becomes increasingly competitive, the Bucks may need to consider the idea of acquiring Clarke, as his talents could benefit Antetokounmpo and the team in the future.
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