NBA Trade Grades: Bucks acquire George Hill from Cavaliers and Jason Smith from Wizards

Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks were heading towards a large chasm at the end of this season. They had important pieces in Brook Lopez, Eric Bledsoe and Malcolm Brogdon all coming up for contract renewal, not to mention Khris Middleton, who will likely decline his $13 million player option for next season for a well-deserved pay raise.

Something had to give. The Bucks simply did not have the salary cap room next season. Jason Smith’s contract expires at the end of the season and George Hill is guaranteed only $1 million next season.

What they ended up giving up to achieve some salary cap relief was not a great deal in the scheme of things. Matthew Dellavedova, with his scrappy style of play, just did not suit the style of play Mike Budenholzer has brought to the franchise. His only time on the court this season had basically been junk time.

Losing John Henson hurts a little emotionally, but his minutes have mostly taken by Brook Lopez. Since he has been out, Thon Maker has stepped up and averaged 5.2 points and 2.5 rebounds a night in nine games. Given that there is also no timetable for Henson’s return, the Bucks needed to look to the future.

Adding Jason Smith into the mix for the Bucks means that they are not solely reliant on Maker for backup center minutes. Smith never going to be a star, but he is averaging 3.7 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in 12 appearances this season. He is shooting 40 percent from deep on limited shot attempts, and he might just be a good fit for this system.

Giving up a first round pick hurts at any time, but by making this trade, the Bucks have freed up $18 million worth of extra cap space to help with re-signing Middleton. The Milwaukee Bucks are obviously of the opinion they have the roster to challenge to contend for the Eastern Conference crown and are going to do whatever they can to keep this core together.

Grade: A