Bucks’ rumored trade target speaks to speculation after 50-point outburst

On By Littum

The Milwaukee Bucks have lost three of their last four games after experiencing a bit of a resurgence.

A move to help upgrade their bench unit could be on the horizon as the Feb. 6 trade deadline quickly approaches. However, a potential target has just raised his value on Friday night.

CJ McCollum dropped 50 points on the Washington Wizards last night. After the game, the former Portland Trail Blazers teammate spoke to Damian Lillard about recent trade speculation.

Some of the rumors mentioned the possibility of the Bucks reuniting McCollum with his former backcourt mate. McCollum shared the following thoughts:

“I’ve been in trade rumors since my junior year,” McCollum began. “After my third year in the league, Bill Simmons got me traded every week somewhere. So I understand what comes with that. For me, it’s just playing the game the right way, doing things the right way. I play hard and of course this team values ​​me and I’m sure there are other teams that value me as well.”

McCollum continued, “Obviously, I like this city, my wife likes the city, my kids are happy here, and I came here for a reason, but at the same time, some things are not in your control. You just play the game and do what you do and hope for the best, I will do my job, I will prepare and my value will be exactly where it needs to be if you know what that means.

The Pelicans have the league’s worst record, so trading veteran talent to acquire future assets would make a lot of sense. McCollum’s presence in Milwaukee would help boost the Bucks to their desired spot at the top of the Eastern Conference. That extra firepower would be beneficial in any playoff series against the reigning champion Boston Celtics or the dominant Cleveland Cavaliers.

The 33-year-old McCollum is currently averaging 22.7 points3.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.0 steals in 33.6 minutes across his 22 appearances this season. The dynamic scorer is shooting 36.8 percent from three on 8.4 attempts per game.

McCollum’s combination of scoring, shooting, vision and ball handling would greatly benefit Doc Rivers’ rotations in Milwaukee.

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