$76 Million Ex-Defensive Player of the Year Considered Ideal Trade Target for Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks may make changes for the 2024-25 season, aiming to improve their defense. One potential addition is Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year.

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report highlighted why the Memphis Grizzlies guard is considered the Bucks’ “dream trade target,” stating, “Smart is a significant upgrade in perimeter defense compared to anyone currently on Milwaukee’s roster. The Bucks, who finished 19th defensively last season, would benefit from Smart’s experience, especially paired with Damian Lillard. This move would also counter Boston’s acquisition of Jrue Holiday.”

However, acquiring Smart could be challenging due to Milwaukee’s limited trade assets, as Swartz noted. The team might need to trade veterans like Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, or Bobby Portis to gain multiple veteran players, addressing depth issues that arose after the Lillard trade.

Smart is entering the third year of a four-year, $76 million contract and is two years removed from winning Defensive Player of the Year. Despite playing only 20 games last season, he brings significant playoff experience.

Previously, the Bucks showed interest in Smart at the trade deadline but were turned down by the Grizzlies, who valued Smart highly, according to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer.

Additionally, the Bucks almost acquired another ex-Celtic, Grant Williams, before he joined the Charlotte Hornets. Williams mentioned on NBA on TNT that Milwaukee had considered a deal for him, but it didn’t materialize.

Overall, the Bucks are keen on acquiring players like Smart and Williams, who have been rivals in the past and could strengthen their roster.