The Milwaukee Bucks executed a significant trade during the offseason, yet they continued to refine their team ahead of Thursday’s deadline.
Veteran guard Patrick Beverley is set to join Milwaukee, with reports from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski indicating that the Philadelphia 76ers will receive Cameron Payne and a 2027 second-round pick in return.
The Bucks and Sixers’ lineups will see some adjustments, with Beverley replacing Payne and vice versa. Meanwhile, Philadelphia made a notable move by acquiring Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Marcus Morris, Furkan Korkmaz, and three second-round picks, as per Wojnarowski.
Wojnarowski reported that Milwaukee traded Robin Lopez to the Sacramento Kings, with Lopez expected to be waived.
Here are the updated depth charts for both teams:
Milwaukee Bucks Depth Chart:
- Point Guard: Damian Lillard, Patrick Beverley, AJ Green, Andre Jackson Jr.
- Shooting Guard: Malik Beasley, Pat Connaughton, Khris Middleton
- Small Forward: Khris Middleton, Jae Crowder, Andre Jackson Jr.
- Power Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Jae Crowder
- Center: Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis
Philadelphia 76ers Depth Chart:
- Point Guard: Tyrese Maxey, Cameron Payne, Terquavion Smith
- Shooting Guard: De’Anthony Melton, Jaden Springer, Kelly Oubre Jr.
- Small Forward: Buddy Hield, Kelly Oubre Jr., Robert Covington
- Power Forward: Tobias Harris, Nicolas Batum, KJ Martin
- Center: Joel Embiid, Paul Reed, Mo Bamba
Beverley averaged 6.3 points, 3.1 assists, and 0.5 steals in 19.6 minutes per game with the Sixers in the first half of the season.
His playoff experience and potential impact on the Bucks’ performance are notable, especially given the team’s current struggles. Beverley’s familiarity with head coach Doc Rivers likely factored into the decision to acquire him.
On the other hand, Joel Embiid’s absence due to injury has created a gap in the Sixers’ frontcourt. Nevertheless, Philadelphia prioritized shooting during the deadline despite this setback.
Hield’s prowess from beyond the arc and Payne’s improved three-point shooting percentage present valuable assets for the team, albeit at the cost of Beverley’s contributions.
Despite differing opinions on the trade, teams with playoff aspirations are often active post-deadline, looking to strengthen their rosters through the buyout market.
