Washington and Milwaukee talking trade for #3 overall

[jonathanlambert33]

The Bucks and Wizards have explored a trade involving big man Ersan Ilyasova and the No. 3 pick in this year's draft, according to Sam Amico of FOX Sports (via Twitter). It's unclear if the Bucks would keep their own first round selection in such a deal, but they currently hold the No. 15 pick.

Ilyasova, 26, just finished the first year of a five-year, $40MM deal in Milwaukee. The stretch four averaged 17.2 PPG, 9.3 RPG, and 2.1 APG last season while shooting 44.4% from the outside. Ilyasova was in high-demand at the trade deadline this year, but the Bucks turned away suitors, including the Hawks, who were dangling Josh Smith.

No one knows how the top of the draft will shake out yet, but the No. 3 pick could yield a high-level talent for the Wizards, whether it's UNLV power forward Anthony Bennett or Georgetown's Otto Porter. The Washington front office is reportedly split on which player to take, but they won't have that dilemma if they move the pick.

It's not clear who the Bucks are targeting at No. 3 - they could tap Bennett to replace the outgoing Ilyasova or they may instead look to one of the top guards in the draft such as Kansas' Ben McLemore or Michigan's Trey Burke if they can't hold on to their key backcourt pieces this summer.

 
#3 for Ilyasova straight up can't be the deal.

 

[bosoxlover12]

It would be #3 for Ilya and #15 for sure

 

[jonathanlambert33]

It would be #3 for Ilya and #15 for sure

 
This is the same team that took on the contracts of Ariza and Okafor in a single trade, so there's no "for sure" involved.

 

[Pugz]

i didn't realize ily had such a solid season but that deal is so mehhhhhh

 

[jonathanlambert33]

I actually think it's a pretty good deal.

 

[Pugz]

im just not a fan if his contract.

 

[elcheato]

Ilyasova is worth more than the #3 pick in this draft. He's really fuckin good

 

[bosoxlover12]

Especially when he's a stretch 4 like they want

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Ilyasova is worth more than the #3 pick in this draft. He's really fuckin good

 
Yep, very underrated.  He probably outplayed his contract this year.  It's just Milwaukee has zero idea what they're doing.  When he finally got starters minutes he was averaging like 18-19 ppg and 9-10 rpg while scoring efficiently, especially from three.

 

[buzzy]

didn't he play like shit at the start of the year?

 

[jonathanlambert33]

didn't he play like shit at the start of the year?

 
The first 10 or so games, but got a lot better after that.

 

[Pugz]

on second thought, this would be a solid deal for both teams.

 

[PG24]

This would be a very interesting trade for both teams. The question becomes what do the Bucks do with that 3rd overall pick? I'm guessing that they're very comfortable with John Henson taking over the PF spot. My guess would be that they go after a guy like Otto Porter to take over the small forward slot, but who knows. Love the pickup for Washington. They get a solid PF with good range. Would be a perfect fit for them.

 

[elcheato]

I don't think they're comfortable with Henson (maybe they are), they just realize they were a mediocre team going no where. Need to rebuild.

 

[.s31t]

Ily is so good. I remember he busted the first time outta europe and went back... made a comeback and has taken the league at the stretch 4... Id take Ily over almost anyone in this draft... Not even sold on Noel or McLemore... 

 

[elcheato]

I'd take McLemore and Noel over Sova, maybe even Dipo & Len, but I love rookies.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Smh