The Milwaukee Bucks, with a record of 16-12, are currently in fifth place in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. They also recently won the second annual NBA Cup championship over the team Thunder in Oklahomathe top team in the NBA’s Western Conference. But as Giannis Antetokounmpo and other Bucks players said after this victory, their job wasn’t done yet. They are trying to win another NBA championship this year.
Winner of seven of their last 10 games (not including the NBA Cup Final), Milwaukee is one of the hottest teams in the league right now. Because they suddenly became relevant after starting the season 2-8, trade rumors surrounding the team spread with either Giannis or Damian Lillard being moved to the Bucks, who acquired more talent to their credit.
The Milwaukee Bucks could trade Kevin Looney and Brandin Pod Ziemiski to the Golden State Warriors
One player many fans would like to see traded is perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate Bobby Portis, who is averaging 13.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game this season. While he is a solid offensive player, many fans point to his perceived lack of interest in playing defense as the reason Milwaukee struggles when Giannis or Brook Lopez are on the court.
However, one of the trade proposals does not include Portis or any of the Bucks’ preferred rotation players. Donny Shea z Sports News recently proposed a trade that would send Pat Connaughton, Delon Wright and draft picks to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Kevon Looney and Brad Pod Ziemiski.
“Connaughton and Wright are included primarily to help equalize pay,” Shea wrote. “Additionally, the seed capital committed could be consolidated to induce the opposing front office to part with winning talent. With the Warriors in the playoffs, a trade of this magnitude is unlikely as Pod Ziemian and Looney are key pieces to the rotation.”
Looney is from Milwaukee and Pod Ziemia is from Greenfield, Wisconsin.
The former is averaging 5.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game this season, while the latter is averaging 8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Both come off the bench for Golden State.
While this trade is intriguing considering that Looney has won three NBA Championships and both players are from Wisconsin, it should be noted that neither player could fit the Bucks’ mold. Looney is an undersized center (6′ 9″) who does not extend to the floor. Guard Podrzem shot the ball well last year as a rookie, but this year he’s shooting just 27.8% from three.
With neither player able to spread the floor and clear the lanes for Giannis and Dame, neither makes sense for Milwaukee.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and stay up to date with Wisconsin sports news, click here!
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for a corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your chosen sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has gained a reputation as a company that invites top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers or alumni appearance costs and booking fees, call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.