2:23pm: Charles F. Gardener of the Journal Sentinel (via Twitter) casts a different view, saying trade talks aren’t currently ongoing in Milwaukee and classifies any pending deals as “possible, but not likely.”
2:21pm: The Celtics are still desperately seeking a star player to add to their roster and are reportedly quite active on the trade front. To this end, Boston has engaged in trade discussions with the Bucks regarding Khris Middleton and Greg Monroe, Gery Woelfel of The Racine Journal Times relayed.
According to Woelfel’s sources, the Bucks and Celtics are exploring a potential deal that would send Middleton and Monroe to Boston in exchange for the No. 16 and No. 23 picks in tonight’s NBA Draft along with another unnamed player. Milwaukee has worked out a number of players who are projected to go in the 16 to 23 range, including guard Denzel Valentine of Michigan State, guard Malachi Richardson of Syracuse, guard Dejounte Murray of Washington and North Carolina power forward Brice Johnson, Woelfel adds.
If Milwaukee is indeed willing to part ways with Middleton it would be reversal from previous reports that stated the swingman was “untouchable.” Middleton, 24, is signed for four more years and is owed a reasonable $55.3MM over that span. In 79 appearances this season he averaged 18.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 36.1 minutes per outing while shooting .444/.396/.888.
The Bucks have shown no such reluctance when it comes to dealing Monroe, with the team reportedly “anxious to move on from him.” Given the Bucks’ overall lack of athleticism, even with the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the lumbering big man was never a good fit in Milwaukee. He has two seasons remaining on his current deal, though, he can choose to opt out next summer. In 79 games for the Bucks Monroe notched averages of 15.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 29.3 minutes per contest. His shooting line was .522/.000/.740.
Don’t you mean Giannis?
#16 + 23 for Midds? Haha. Try starting with #3 overall for Middleton.
And Thanasis is not on the Bucks…
It’s money. The cap is rising and rookie contracts are by far the best value, even for bench role players. Getting rid of Middleton and Monroe gives the Bucks tons more flexibility.
Oh Kenny, Midds is on a great and affordable contract and his post ASG production was amazing. Why trade him?? Monroe trade makes sense. Middleton makes zero sense.
Correct. This is utter madness
Agreed. I was kind of excited when I first heard this rumor, because I assumed it would be for the #3 pick. But #16 and #23? We’re not getting a better player than Middleton at those spots. That’s probably why the guy from the Journal Sentinel says it’s not happening though, Boston simply isn’t offering enough.
And Gery Woelfel is not a legit source for trade rumors.
I do indeed. Changed. Busy day. Apologies to all.
I know HoopsRumors.com has to pass along reports from beat writers, but Gery “Woeful” Woelfel is terrible and constantly reports on “whispers” or “discussions” from “sources” which 1.) never come to fruition; 2.) are flatly denied; 3.) make zero sense. This is the same guy that said the Bucks had soured on Kidd. This is the same guy who said Hammond would be fired within weeks. I’m not aware of a single story he has scooped.
Gery is not worth reposting any more than my baseless speculation is worth posting.
Nailed it.
Who knows though. Maybe all NBA trade rumors for all teams pass through Racine, Wisconsin first so Gery always has the inside scoop.
Could a 3 way deal with philly be possible? Also is Milwaukee targeting a big free agent like horford or howard
This makes zero sense. Trade Middleton and Monroe both for two picks where if it all goes will would land you Valentine and Brice Johnson type players? I could maybe see Monroe for the 23rd and a player but no way the Bucks move Middleton
I agree. This draft class isn’t worth those caliber players. Maybe Monroe alone, but not Middleton, too.
Milwaukee should just take Baldwin at 10, try to sign a rim protecting 5, and a wing shooter, and be done with it…if they can move Monroe for one of those things, they should probably do it
Zero chance this a legitimate trade unless it is something like Crowder, both picks, future first rounder and still maybe Smart.
Dream on
The 16th pick johnson and bradley for monroe and middleton.
The bucks get an athletic big to replace monroe in Johnson (via sign and trade) and an athletic defender in bradley. While giving up a scoring wing and a big who doesn’t fit in well
But the Bucks need a shooter who can open the floor more than anything, this trade doesn’t improve the team at all.
Bradley can shoot. Johnson can too.
Who writes these articles? They must be high!