The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly want to make a big splash at the trade deadline.
They want to add another star next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Clearly, Khris Middleton isn’t the same player anymore, and the Bucks seem to have lost faith in his ability to return to his former level.
According to multiple reports, that’s why they’ve set their sights on Zach LaVine and Bradley Beal.
Both of them are reportedly set to be available at the deadline, and they would give them another scoring punch next to their two stars.
Nonetheless, Lou Williams doesn’t think that’s the right approach.
Talking on FanDuel Sports’ ‘Run It Back,’ the former Sixth Man of the Year argued that the Bucks needed to get back to what helped them win an NBA championship in the first place, which was their defense (via ClutchPoints):
“What is the thing the Bucks lost from being a championship team to now? Defense and Jrue Holiday. Why are we going out looking for more scoring?” he asked.
“What is the thing the Bucks lost from being a championship team to now? Defense and Jrue Holiday. Why are we going out looking for more scoring?”
Does Chandler Parsons have a point? 🗣️
(via @RunItBackFDTV)pic.twitter.com/Z8lfBciRFh
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 22, 2025
Of course, coach Mike Budenholzer is no longer there, and Doc Rivers’ tactics and rotation have often drawn criticism, but that does make some sense.
Losing Jrue Holiday doomed the Bucks last season, and while getting Lillard was a good move on paper, Holiday’s absence disrupted everything they had done.
It also made the Boston Celtics, their top challenger in the Eastern Conference, significantly better.
The offense wins games, but the defense wins championships.
That motto is as relevant today as it was two decades ago and will continue to be for as long as basketball is basketball.
The Bucks, however, might not feel that way.
NEXT: Zach LaVine, Bradley Beal Named As Trade Targets For East Contender
