Will the Bucks early exit see them chase this Atlanta Hawks bench player?

The Milwaukee Bucks made plenty of moves over the season in an effort to repeat as NBA champions. Due to their capitulation in the seventh game against the Boston Celtics, they went out in the second round. This means they will be scouting the league for improvements that they can make and the Atlanta Hawks have a player that they have already been interested in.

Prior to signing his deal with the Hawks, Bogdan Bogdanovic was almost traded to the Bucks by his old team, the Sacramento Kings. The NBA voided the deal because the Bucks contacted Bogdanovic’s agent prior to the free agency period opening to discuss his potential contract.

This is not allowed if a player is going to be involved in a sign and trade as Bogdanovic was going to be a free agent. History tells us that Bogdanovic would sign with the Hawks deal over four seasons for $72 million with the final season being a player option.

How a Bucks trade could work for the Atlanta Hawks

Over the past two seasons, Bogdanovic has only played 107 games out of a possible 154. He has also missed crucial playoff games due to knee problems which are a concern and may prompt the Hawks to trade the sharpshooter.

Mentally, Bogdanovic is in the best place he has been in since he entered the NBA, pledging that he will have his best season yet. However, the $18 million he is owed next season before the player option worth $18 million in his final season may complicate the trade.

The Bucks are not going to give up their big three but they have the more minor contracts of Pat Connaughton, Bobby Portis, and Grayson Allen. The other option, which would be preferable for the Hawks is that a third or fourth team get involved and they make a blockbuster trade for a star.

The Hawks have huge potential for change this offseason with quality young players on tradeable contracts. However, it is Danilo Gallinari and Bogdanovic who appear to be the players most likely to be moved.