The NBA trade window has opened with many shocking moves, and the Milwaukee Bucks took no time to join in on the fun. One of the week’s most significant actions was Milwaukee reportedly acquiring veteran guard Jrue Holiday from the New Orleans Pelicans. In return, the Bucks reportedly sent Eric Bledsoe, George Hill and three future first-round draft picks and two pick swaps.
Holiday was one of the top players rumored to be on the move. One of the top two-way guards in the league finds a new home in Wisconsin. Many hoped that Milwaukee would land an upgrade, as Bledsoe was not the answer in the bubble. The Bucks are clear with their message: winning now is the top priority, and nothing else matters.
Surrounding Giannis
The Bucks tie all 2020 moves to hoping that Giannis Antetokounmpo signs the supermax extension this offseason. It is the world’s best-known secret that Milwaukee needed to reorganize to show the Greek Freak that they are in line with his goal of winning at all costs. Bringing in a player like Holiday hopefully tilts the scale in what Giannis will ultimately decide.
Coming to Milwaukee, Jrue brings a much-needed jolt to this Bucks organization. His 19.1 points last season, along with 4.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game, all are an upgrade from Bledsoe’s performance last year. Additionally, Holiday brings his strong defensive skills to the Bucks, so no loss there with the swap.
All About The Benjamins
Granted, Eric Bledsoe was on a friendly contract with Milwaukee. Holiday arrives with two years left on his five-year, $131 million contract, which allows the Bucks to cover around $50 million over the next two years. It will be a small price if this move helps Giannis stay in Milwaukee for the foreseeable future.
Not Done Yet
Not even 90 minutes later, Jon Horst made another blockbuster move.
Bogdan Bogdanovic is set to round-out the projected starting five that includes Holiday, Khris Middleton, Giannis and Brook Lopez. A volume scorer, Bogdanovic brings an additional 15 points per game to Milwaukee’s newly-revamped offensive arsenal. Donte DiVincenzo, Ersan Ilyasova and DJ Wilson become the third, fourth and fifth Bucks shipped out late Monday night.
It should be no surprise that Milwaukee made this move, considering that Giannis’ meeting with management addressed a common and collective goal. As of right now, it seems as if they are going in the right direction. Many facts have changed overnight, but the goal to win an NBA championship has not. Hopefully, the acquisition of Holiday gets Milwaukee one step closer.
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