Fansided

NBA Free Agency: One move every team needs to make

By Tom West

Mar 29, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) watches from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) watches from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi (28) warms up prior to playing Toronto Raptors in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi (28) warms up prior to playing Toronto Raptors in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Milwaukee Bucks: Sign Ian Mahinmi

Greg Monroe is being shopped after failing as an offense-only experiment in Milwaukee, leaving the Bucks in need of a new center at the best price they can find.

Bismack Biyombo is the best (possibly affordable) defensive option that springs to mind and Joakim Noah’s rebounding, toughness and excellent post passing makes him a worth option at the right price. However, with many expecting Biyombo to make at least $17 million per year and Noah entering the very end of his prime at 31, they may not be the best options due to salary cap issues and how the money works out if Monroe is traded.

Adam McGee, editor at FanSided’s Behind the Bucks Pass, agreed that defensive centers are the aim.

This is where someone like Ian Mahinmi becomes so intriguing if top names are out of reach. He earned some deserved recognition as a Most Improved Player candidate last season as his typical defensive effort and rim protection was on display in his first season as a starter, with brief moments of improved passing and strong rolls to the basket highlighting his limited offensive skill set. Defense really is his calling card, but that’s mainly what the Bucks will long for after experiencing Monroe’s lacklustre efforts.

There are options, and the Bucks have the talent of Jabari Parker, Khris Middleton, and the breakout performance of point Giannis Antetokounmpo to sell free agents on.

Mahinmi could be the one to solidify their interior defense in ways that Monroe never could (or tried to) with enough finishing ability and a touch of passing when necessary to work in a minimal role on offense.

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