Milwaukee Bucks: Eastern Conference Players They Should Trade For

Feb 4, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) is guarded by Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) is guarded by Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 22, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Josh McRoberts (4) is pressured by Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Josh McRoberts (4) is pressured by Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Josh McRoberts, Miami Heat

The unique passing and shooting of “McBob” has been constricted over the past few seasons in Miami, and McRoberts has struggled to stay on the court due to injuries and ineffectiveness.

But somewhere beneath the numerous hairstyles and DNPs is a player who could help a team in limited minutes.

The reason Miami would offload McRoberts is that he is owed $6 million next season, and they are committed to maximizing their cap space to go after the market’s biggest free agents.

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Signed three years ago in a vain attempt to convince LeBron James to stay, the Heat want to clear his salary for next year and may pay for the pleasure.

Roy Hibbert and McRoberts could be swapped one-for-one, with Miami tossing in a 2nd round pick for the trouble. That gives Milwaukee an extra asset to utilize (remember, rookie Malcolm Brogdon was selected in the 2nd round) and allows Miami to clear space.

It’s a win-win for both sides even if Milwaukee never adds him into their rotation. In that case the Bucks would simply waive McRoberts and stretch his remaining salary over three seasons.

If McRoberts is able to play, however, then the Bucks get that much more of a bonus from the deal. He could take a few of the minutes left behind by Jabari Parker and stretch the floor, using his pocket passing to spark the second unit when Antetokounmpo sits.

It’s not the sort of move that moves a team up a level, but it’s a clever move on the margins that smart teams take advantage of.