In recent seasons, the Milwaukee Bucks consistently emerged as strong contenders for the NBA championship, with their crowning achievement coming in 2021 when they clinched the title.
However, since their title-winning campaign two years ago, they have failed to replicate that historic feat. Last season, they finished with the best record in the entire NBA, going 58-24 in the regular season.
However, they were upset in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs by the eight-seeded Miami Heat in five games, who went on to reach the NBA Finals.
Recognizing the need for a change, the Bucks fired their head coach Mike Budenholzer after five seasons at the helm, replacing him with longtime Toronto Raptors assistant and first time head coach Adrian Griffin.
The team also made perhaps the biggest trade of the offseason, acquiring NBA 75th Anniversary Team member and star point guard Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers in a blockbuster transaction featuring three teams.
Despite these strategic moves and being a top-tier team in the league, the Bucks find themselves needing additional enhancements in certain areas as the 2023-24 season continues.
Addressing these gaps through further roster adjustments could bolster their strength and make them an even more formidable force come playoff time.
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3 Trades Milwaukee Bucks Must Make To Compete for 2023-24 NBA Championship
1. Trade for a perimeter defender
In their pursuit of Damian Lillard, the Bucks had to part ways with Jrue Holiday, widely regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.
While Lillard is celebrated as one of the all-time great point guards, his defensive capabilities are not as prominent, presenting challenges for the Bucks in the current season.
Some targets for the Bucks could be Dorian Finney-Smith of the Brooklyn Nets, Torrey Craig of the Chicago Bulls or Kris Dunn of the Utah Jazz.
2. Bench scorer
The Bucks currently have a roster that leans heavily on their starting lineup, and their bench unit lacks significant scoring impact and depth.
Bobby Portis, Cameron Payne and Pat Connaughton are some of the main bench players of the team, but they do not have the same firepower on them compared to other teams in the league.
Someone like Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz could provide a spark off the bench to continue to roll off momentum built by the starting lineup.
3. Youth movement
Heading into the 2023-24 season, the Milwaukee Bucks boast the oldest roster in the NBA based on average age, with their players averaging 28.21 years old.
All of the players in the roster that were born after 2000 has no regular minutes in the rotation, and this could come back and haunt them down the road.
Incorporating younger talent could infuse the roster with fresh energy and offer opportunities for long-term development.
Related Article: Warriors: 3 Trades Golden State Must Make To Compete for 2023-24 NBA Championship
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