They felt pressed. There was urgency in making a move NOW! They heard all the noise that their franchise player was going to leave home for the bright lights of Hollywood. And they acted in desperation.
Of course, we’re talking about the 2017-18 season, the last year that LeBron James played with the Cavaliers. They were facing a similar situation that the Bucks are currently in. Both LeBron and Giannis were growing frustrated with their team’s failed attempts to build a championship roster.
The Cavaliers knew how important it was to finish the 2018 season strong. Prior to the trade deadline, they made a series of moves that made them look like a completely different team. They traded away 7 players. One of the transactions was a complex three-team trade that brought in players that served a temporary role.
They were of no use once LeBron ended up leaving in the offseason. The only purpose they served at that point was to rebuild. It took them four years before they were able to reach the playoffs again. The Milwaukee Bucks cannot make the same mistakes. Unlike LeBron James in 2018, Giannis is still under contract. There isn’t the possibility of losing him for nothing in the upcoming offseason.
There have been rumors that the Bucks could make a move to bring in a player like Bradley Beal. He is someone that could help in the scoring end, but he wouldn’t solve the biggest problem they have. They don’t have the same level of depth as the other top teams of the league do. By involving yourself in this transaction, you’ll be giving up the few assets you have outside of Giannis and Damian Lillard. Instead of taking a step forward, you’ll be taking two steps backwards.
That would only frustrate Giannis further, which could lead him to force his way out of Milwaukee. At this point, it’s best to let the season play out. The greatness of Giannis and Lillard gives you a chance to make a deep run in the playoffs. They have a good foundation in place to create something special.
I believe they are one piece away from being a juggernaut. The upcoming free agency class can give them the pieces needed to be the most dangerous team in the league. Bringing someone like Brandon Ingram or Jimmy Butler could make the Greek Freak very happy. All those trade rumors would be put to rest for good. That is where they need to keep their sights on, instead of making a move out of desperation. Sometimes the best move is to do nothing.
Christian's NBA Blog 