Milwaukee Bucks: 3 players most likely to be traded before deadline

2. Jason Smith

The Milwaukee Bucks’ most likely move at the deadline has already happened, when in December the team sent center John Henson and point guard Matthew Dellavedova to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for George Hill and, via Washington, Jason Smith.

Smith, a 7’0″ center who excels in the mid-range, was mainly salary filler in the deal. He has appeared in just six games since the trade for the Bucks, playing 40 total minutes and scoring 13 points. He is behind every big man in the rotation, including newly-signed two-way player Bonzie Colson.

It is unlikely another team goes after Smith as a necessary piece, but he could certainly fill a role for another team as a reserve big. The Houston Rockets are in dire need of another big man, and the Los Angeles Clippers may decide to waive Marcin Gortat and try another look at the position.

More likely, however, Smith’s role in a trade is for matching salaries. His $5.5 million owed this year could be paired with another Bucks player or used to completely cover the returning salary in a deal for another player. With Smith’s contract expiring after this year, the other team wouldn’t be taking on future salary. Smith is likely to be traded not because of his value, but simply because he is completely superfluous on this roster.