Milwaukee Bucks: Eastern Conference Players They Should Trade For

The Youngsters, Toronto Raptors

One aspect of the Milwaukee Bucks that has been a key strength over the past few seasons has been their player development.

From Khris Middleton to Giannis Antetokounmpo to the sketchy outline of an All-Star they are filling in with Thon Maker, head coach Jason Kidd and his staff are taking the potential of young prospects and turning it into skill.

No team outside of perhaps Philadelphia has as much untapped potential on its roster as the Toronto Raptors, who have shot for long-term upside with its recent draft selections.

As their core players have risen to contention in the East, the back of the bench has been stocked with young players yet to realize their ceilings.

With the trade for Serge Ibaka, the team is now stocked with big men and doesn’t foresee a major drop-off in recent seasons. That means a relative lack of playing time for players such as Lucas Nogueira, Bruno Caboclo, Jakob Poeltl and Pascal Siakam.

While Toronto will want to keep some of those players to fill in as depth down the line — especially is Patrick Patterson leaves in free agency this summer — keeping all of them will be impossible.

If Milwaukee can take advantage of their glut of young talent and snag a player or two, they can use their top-notch developmental system to maximize their potential.

Adding in the addition of a G-League team next season, the Bucks should only improve on their farm system and have the best chance to glean a future rotation player from the group.

Next: 2017 NBA Trade Deadline: Grades For All 30 Teams

Whether Milwaukee makes a move for this season or the future, the market is filled with opportunities to add talent. With the clock ticking, the Bucks join 29 other teams in trying to improve their fortunes over the final few days.