Milwaukee Bucks: Trade value rankings
It’s time to rank the Milwaukee Bucks’ trade pieces from most valuable to least valuable asset.
The Dec. 15 date is fast approaching, when a majority of players who signed free agency deals in the summer will become eligible to be traded. Midseason trades are relatively uncommon in the NBA, but it is typical to see a trade or two in December once the aforementioned moratorium has passed. Player trade value is in constant flux in the NBA, so the current trade values for the Milwaukee Bucks will be sorted into tiers.
December 2014, in particular, was a busy trade season in the NBA, as there were four separate trades involving eight NBA teams, including the infamous trade that sent Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks.
In December 2015 there was just a single trade involving Ish Smith. There were no trades in December 2016, but in early January of 2017, Kyle Korver was moved to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Last December, Jahlil Okafor, Nik Stauskas were moved from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Brooklyn Nets for Trevor Booker.
It is likely that we will see another trade this December, so it is important for teams to have an accurate assessment of their trade assets. When considering the trade value of a player there are several components that affect how much they are worth. Generally, in order of significance, these are major factors:
- Production and skill-set
Production and skill-set are fairly straightforward and refer to what a player provides on the court. This Values not only their raw statistics, but also their position and the strengths in their play style (spacing the floor, defense, rim protection, volume scoring, creation in half court, creation for others, etc.).
For example, J.J. Redick and Dwight Howard are each scoring about 17 points per game, but how they score those points vary drastically and that comes into play when considering trade value for various teams.
- Terms of contract (amount, length, and options)
Length of contract is naturally hugely important when trading a player. Sometimes short-term contracts are desired when paying a player can be deemed a risk, but other times long-term contracts can be desired. Clearly the amount attached to the contract is important too. Team options make contracts more desirable for franchises, while player options make them less desirable.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Blake Griffin have somewhat similar production, but KAT is making around $8 million this season (and $27 million next season), while Griffin is making $32 million this year (and $34 million next). Even though their production is similar, KAT’s contract is far more desirable.
Mike Conley‘s contract has just over $85 million left in guaranteed money, and Clint Capela‘s has a comparable $87 million contract. Without context, these contracts seem fairly similar. However, Conley’s only lasts until 2021 (when he will be 33), while Capela’s goes through 2023 (when he will be 28).
Production generally tends to increase until a player reaches around 30 or 31 when it then starts to decline. This means Capela’s deal would likely be viewed as more valuable than Conley’s to most, if not all, NBA general managers.
- Availability and injury history
Player health is a major concern when calculating a valuation of their worth. Stephen Curry was deemed injury-prone prior to signing his contract in 2012, and it was a contributing reason why his contract was so far below his production value. Availability and ability to play a majority of the whole NBA season is paramount to being a successful player. Injury concern is why players like Joel Embiid, Harry Giles, and Michael Porter Jr. slipped in the NBA Draft.
With all this in mind, here’s a look at the trade value of all of the Milwaukee Bucks’ assets.