Barring any unforeseen events, the Milwaukee Bucks will enter the 2024-25 NBA season without having made any trades during the offseason.
Instead, they opted to debut through free agency, a change of pace from how they’ve operated in recent years. With improvements evident, general manager Jon Horst likely wants to see what this group has to offer before shaking things up further, and the second-deck restrictions on him aren’t making that any easier.
If they push back on the idea of a trade for now, it won’t be surprising if they’re mentioned as one of the most active teams heading into the 2025 NBA trade deadline. Horst is known for leaving no stone unturned in his quest for upgrades. If the team shows signs of struggling or a significant hole in the roster looms as the deadline approaches, he’ll likely look to fill it with a trade.
Looking through the market, there aren’t many names that could be categorized as realistic targets for the Milwaukee Bucks, but one name worth keeping an eye on is Ayo Dosunmu.
Youth, athleticism, scoring, shooting, creative play, defense and a reasonable contract: Ayo Dosunmu has everything the Milwaukee Bucks are looking for in a potential new player. There’s a reason he has been linked to the team in numerous mock trades and scenarios in their quest for new improvements to the list.
By far his most desirable asset is his defense. At 6’4″ and with a 6’2″ wingspan, the point guard has a unique build that has allowed him to become a solid defender. Even at just 24, he emerged as one of the Chicago Bulls’ premier defenders last season, often taking on the toughest opposing point guard.
His game data on NBA.com/stats is more than appealing. Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard shot just 4 out of 16 (25 percent) with Dosunmu as the primary defender. 76ers rising guard Tyrese Maxey shot just 4 of 11 (36.4 percent) in the same situation. Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell shot 6 of 16 (37.5 percent) when harassed by the guard. Dosunmu likes a challenge and holds up well.
It goes without saying that a defensive back like Dosunmu could help the Bucks, who need as much help as possible on the perimeter. The additions of Prince and Wright were already supposed to make the Bucks stronger and more versatile defensively, but bringing Dosunmu into the team would take that even further.
In addition to his excellent defensive output, Dosunmu is coming off a career-best offensive season, averaging a team-best 12.2 points and shooting 40.3 percent from three-point range. Another top-tier player as a backup would certainly be helpful for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Aside from everything just explained, one of the reasons Dosunmu should be at the top of the Bucks’ wish list is that it makes financial sense. The second apron leaves the Milwaukee Bucks unable to combine salaries or recoup more money than they send in a trade, meaning their options for finding a true upgrade are slim at the time of this writing.
With a $7 million salary for the 2024-25 NBA season, he has a reasonable contract. In theory, the Bucks could make a 1-for-1 trade with Pat Connaughton’s $9.4 million salary. Of course, simply offering the veteran guard would do nothing but put the Bulls in trouble, but it makes sense from a financial standpoint.
If the Chicago Bulls, who made big changes this offseason by parting ways with DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso and still appear to be trying to trade Zach LaVine, are willing to entertain offers for the young guard, the Bucks have some interesting options. A case could be made that Dosunmu would be worth Milwaukee’s 2031 first-round pick.
Is Connaughton and Milwaukee’s 2031 pick enough to get Chicago’s attention? It’s anyone’s guess, but as the upcoming season progresses, the Bucks should look to find out.
For now, the focus is on camp and preseason.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
