The Bucks’ decision to give point guard Eric Bledsoe a four-year, $70MM extension was a sensible move by both parties, Bobby Marks of ESPN argues. It’s a worthwhile price to retain Bledsoe and keep the core group together and that should aid their recruiting pitch to All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo as he approaches free agency in 2021. Bledsoe has become a more efficient player in Milwaukee, particularly in coach Mike Budenholzer’s system. With that order of business out of the way, the Bucks front office can now concentrate on re-signing Khris Middleton and restricted free agent Malcolm Brogdon this summer, Marks adds.
We have more from the Central Division:
- The Bucks had a much more sensible plan to build around Antetokounmpo than the Lakers did with LeBron James, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times opines. Milwaukee has a completely different scheme under Budenholzer, surrounding its star with shooters through savvy decisions in free agency and trades. That has opened up driving lanes for Antetokounmpo. Los Angeles’ front office brought in playmakers and ballhandlers around James, Woike notes, which is why the Lakers rank 28th in 3-point shooting.
- The Bulls have a much brighter outlook than they did at this time last season, when they went into full tank mode, Matt John of Basketball Insiders notes. The addition of Otto Porter has allowed the Bulls to improve its spacing offensively. Improved health for second-year power forward Lauri Markkanen has also made a difference, as he’s enjoying the best stretch of his young career, John continues. Shooting guard Zach LaVine remains a defensive liability but in a recent eight-game stretch, Chicago was a plus-8.2 with him on the floor, Johns points out. The Bulls will still get a high lottery pick and should continue to be on the upswing, John concludes.
- It’s not out of the question that Robin Lopez re-signs with the Bulls, according to Sam Smith of the team’s website. The veteran center is showing his value as an offensive factor due to Wendell Carter Jr.‘s injury. The front office was concerned that Lopez couldn’t be effective switching and getting out to the perimeter defensively, but recently few teams have beaten the Bulls at his position, Smith notes. Lopez will want to test the market but with the team’s frontcourt needs expanding, his return for next season will be under consideration, Smith adds.
Since LeBron wanting to trade half the team for Anthony Davis didn’t work, how about sending LeBron to the Hawks for Kent Bazemore, John Collins, Taurean Prince, Trae Young and the Hawks 1st rounder (top 10) and 1st rounder from the Mavericks (top 10)? I’d then trade Lonzo. Never happen, but that’s what I would do.
LeBron made the Finals 9 straight times in the East. He’s not even going to make the playoffs in the West. If LeBron wants 1 more chance at a championship, they need to send him back east.
don’t be surprised if lebron’s traded to the cavs, knicks, or somewhere else. he’s destroyed the lakers locker room
LBJ haters pop up as soon as his name is written in an article, showing in full glory all their hate & ignorance of hoops. Also in the process with their comments showing that he is the GOAT!
Only because Michael Jordan says he doesn’t want to be called the GOAT. He says it’s disrespectful to the players before him. He could say he is because he won 6 titles in 6 tries, but he doesn’t have the ego problem LeBron has. He has class.
^Lmao @ cats that still believe the false narratives
Otto Porter was out there for anyone, despite what Leonsis claimed. I suggested trades to about four teams though not the Bulls I think. Their stalemate with Portis did not come out until later.
News reports had Porter getting interest from Sacramento and New Orleans. The Wizards were saying they wouldn’t trade Beal, Wall, or Porter. I’m guessing the Wizards reduced their luxury tax when they sent Porter to the Bulls.
The Wizards did save money. Portis and Parkers total $22,494,346. Porters contract this year is for $26,011,913. That had to help them on the luxury tax.
By trading Porter and letting Rivers go, Wall, Beal, Troy Brown Jr., and Mahinmi are the only contracts they have on the books for next season. They may want to stretch Mahinmi.
Don’t forget about Dwight’s $6 Mil player option he’ll most definitely pick up. Then the Wiz are only spending $95 Million on Wall, Beal, Mahinmi, Brown Jr and Howard. If they want to keep Portis you’re looking at his cap hit too and they’re back where they started.