Bucks Zone

Report says Milwaukee Bucks pursued Toronto Raptors' star Fred VanVleet at the trade deadline

The Milwaukee Bucks were one of the most active teams leading up to the NBA trade deadline, and supposedly they were chasing Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet.
Matthew Dugandzic|
Report says Milwaukee Bucks pursued Toronto Raptors' star Fred VanVleet at the trade deadline
Report says Milwaukee Bucks pursued Toronto Raptors' star Fred VanVleet at the trade deadline

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Milwaukee BucksToronto Raptors

While the Milwaukee Bucks acquired their primary target in Jae Crowder through a massive four-team deal before the trade deadline, NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Eastern Conference powerhouse actually explored trading for Toronto Raptors star Fred VanVleet to upgrade their depleted backcourt.

Why chase VanVleet?

The Bucks were one of the busier teams during the trade deadline. However, because of the moves they made—which included sending veteran guard George Hill to the Indiana Pacers—they found themselves in need of guard depth, hence the pursuit of Toronto's one-time All-Star.

While his shooting percentage leaves a lot to be desired, the 28-year-old is undoubtedly one of the more versatile players on the Raptors' roster and is also one of their most efficient creators off the pick-and-roll. This season, VanVleet is averaging 19.9 points and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 39% from the field and 34% from three.

However, VanVleet's contract situation is tricky, putting his future with the Raptors under a question mark. He can decline his $22.8 million player option, which will make him a free agent this offseason.

Who do the Bucks have?

Obviously, the Bucks' chase of VanVleet was a dead end, leaving the Bucks with Jrue Holiday as their full-time starter. The problem is that, after him, the roster looks pretty thin. The Bucks have Jevon Carter as the primary backup, although the likes of Khris Middleton, Joe Ingles, and even Giannis Antetokounmpo can provide depth when needed.

The Bucks' backcourt will likely be tested during the rest of the season, and it's unclear how they'll fare against tougher opponents down the stretch. For now, Milwaukee will have to make do with what they have.

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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.