Crossroads 2017: Big Man Trade Season

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

After going over the possible outcomes of the decisions looming for Greg Monroe and (to a lesser extent) Spencer Hawes, the Brew Hoop staff comes together again to talk about some different options: trades!

The only criteria given was that each trade would have to include one of the Bucks’ three* available centers, and would have to work on the NBA Trade Machine. Some of these trades make sense. Some of these trades are even realistic! Some of them...are not. You be the judge, and be sure to give us your own trade pitches in the comments!

*Editor’s Note: any trades involving Thon Maker were promptly thrown in the trash.

Mitchell: Greg Monroe/Matthew Dellavedova/2017 1st for Derrick Favors/Joe Johnson

If Moose stays and if the team let’s Beasley walk, this would clear up salary for Utah’s free agents and give the Bucks a more able defender to pair with Thon at enter.

Eric K: Greg Monroe for Rudy Gay/Darren Collison

Gay wants out of Sacramento and could be a good solution at forward, until it is more clear what becomes of Jabari Parker. Bucks need a PG and with Kings likely drafting a PG early in the draft, it would be crowded backcourt with Collison, Buddy Hield, Arron Afflalo and Ty Lawson.

Adam: John Henson/2nd round pick for Jonas Valanciunas

I know literally no one is interested in swapping out Monroe’s slow-footed paint prowling for a slightly taller, low-block Lithuanian version, but if Monroe opts out I actually like Valanciunas as a stopgap. He could fill Moose’s scoring punch off the bench, and his salary expires the same year that Thon would be due for a new deal. He won’t provide much relief in terms of cap room, but I think he’d be a useful replacement for Monroe.

Mitchell: John Henson for Alex Abrines/Kyle Singler

The Bucks take a flier on a young player in Abrines and gain a steady end-of-the-bench wing in Singler, aka “the Delly of SGs,” all while getting out from under Henson’s contract. Everybody loses!

Gabe: John Henson/Matthew Dellavedova for Tyson Chandler/Tyler Ulis

Prior to signing Moose, Chandler was seen as a possible fit in Milwaukee. Despite 15 years in the league, he posted 8.4 points per game last year while bringing in 11.8 boards. It goes without saying that his leadership would go hand in hand with the young squad as well. Then, with Ulis, Milwaukee gets a possible wild card while dumping the contract of Dellavedova. He could blossom into something special after being just a second round pick out of Kentucky.

Kyle: Milwaukee gets Jordan Clarkson, LA gets Enes Kanter, OKC gets John Henson/Nick Young

Milwaukee gets a young guard to add to the roster, Los Angeles needs to open up a spot for Lonzo Ball while adding a better center than Timofey Mozgov, while OKC adds some scoring and interior defense to help Russell Westbrook.

Greg: Spencer Hawes/2017 & 2018 1st Rounders for Isaiah Thomas/2017 2nd Rounder

Monroe opts in and Hawes opts in under the requirement he gets dealt. The Celtics need to open up playing time for Markelle Fultz (or Lonzo Ball) while also adding an experienced big to create space. They realize they aren’t going to get through LeBron James and the Cavaliers right now, so they continue their “rebuild” for the 2019 season and beyond. The Bucks go for it in acquiring an All Star PG. Countless promotional posters are made of Thomas and Giannis standing side-by-side, with Giannis resting his elbow on Thomas’ head.

Mitchell: Spencer Hawes/Mirza Teletovic for Bismack Biyombo

Because I want to watch the world burn.

Do any of these trades interest you? Are there any deals that you would (or wouldn’t) make? Is the mere mention of Kyle Singler enough to renounce your fandom? Let us know below!