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Report: Bucks to search market for a defensive-minded wing

Due to their defensive issues, the Bucks are on the hunt to tap a reliable wing
Matthew Dugandzic|
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Milwaukee Bucks

It appears that the Milwaukee Bucks will land in the market to seek another critical piece that can help their title hunt.

According to NBA analyst Jake Weinbach, the Bucks will search the league's marketplace in hopes of signing a wing that can help them in addressing their defense.

Adding a defensive wing for the Bucks is a must

By looking at their roster in 2023-24, the Bucks are evidently in an urgent need to address their perimeter defense. Their woeful stand at the perimeter massively occupies the biggest chunk of their 116.9 subpar defensive rating that sits 21st league-wide.

The demand for the Bucks to add a defensive wingman comes from the fact as well that Jae Crowder went absent in the last eight weeks because of his adductor and abdominal injury. The inactivity of Crowder — their lone defensively minded wing — severely walloped the Bucks’ defense in checking out the opposing teams’ top perimeter performers.

As it is, Malik Beasley isn't entirely known as a reliable unit defensively. Meanwhile, MarJon Beauchamp, amid his length and glimpses of promise, remains raw to the assignment based on the eye test. The only one who stood out as a serviceable defensive wing for Milwaukee is Andre Jackson Jr., but the rookie still obviously has more dealings and experiences to seize.

How can the Bucks add a defensive wing?

Although they are limited in resources, the Bucks still have considerable moves to gain a defensive wing.

In terms of trade, the most intriguing piece that they can offer salary-wise is Pat Connaughton. Pat, who holds a $9 million yearly salary until next season, has been disappointing this year with a 5.5 points average per 21.9 minutes of play. While the veteran has been gaining trade consideration from the fanbase, it is yet to be seen if the Bucks will entertain it, considering that Connaugton has been one of the team's longtime and valued members.

Meanwhile, the second apron-restricted Bucks will be barred from signing potential candidate wing players off the buyout market. They have no choice but to truly consider a trade or ink a player who got waived — though it would require Milwaukee to cut a player in its 15-man depth.

From the puzzling and complicated scenario that the Bucks are in so far in their case to add a defensive wing, Milwaukee fans can only hope that Jon Horst can pull off a spectacular move soon.

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.