2016 NBA Free Agency: 1 move every team needs to make to be contenders

Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks surprised everyone by making the playoffs in 2015, then surprised everyone again by completely falling flat for the first half of the 2015-16 season. They are rebuilding around Giannis Antentkuompo and Jabari Parker but still aren’t at a playoff ready level. The primary culprit was defensive effort, where they allowed 105.7 points per 100 possessions, a net of -3.5 points per 100 possessions.

The Greg Monroe signing in free agency last year was proof that small market teams could bring in the bigger free agents, but Monroe hasn’t been great on defense (not that Parker has been spectacular either). Still, it just doesn’t make sense to keep a player that can’t give you the rim protection and pick-and-roll defense you need to compete in this league, especially considering his gravity towards the hoop on offense as well.

The best move for the Bucks to compete would be trading Greg Monroe. They don’t need to get much in return, perhaps just a draft pick or a smaller role player. But getting Monro off the books would allow the Bucks to then go out and sign some help to bolster their defense and also buy minutes for their recent draft pick, Thon Maker, who is their clear future in the front court. It’s a smart move to keep owning the future, and plus, it’s debatable if they weren’t going to be any more competitive for a playoff spot with Monroe this year anyways.

Next: Minnesota Timberwolves