Milwaukee, WI
Too Many Barriers For Milwaukee Bucks To Trade For Bradley Beal
When Shams Charania first broke the news that the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat were “looming” as potential suitors for an inevitable Bradley Beal trade, I sprinted to my computer, popped it open and began running through scenarios on the trade machine.
I could understand the Heat being in the conversation; they had Tyler Herro and enough first-round picks to make the Washington Wizards think about a trade. But the Bucks? They have next to nothing in assets and only three players who would fit in the deal due to salary-matching purposes.
The trade machine quickly confirmed what I already knew and what would later be proven true: Milwaukee always had too many barriers to overcome in any potential Beal trade.
It made much more sense when Beal was traded to the Phoenix Suns than a potential Bucks’ transaction. In return, Washington acquired Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, second-round picks and multiple pick swaps. The full details are still being worked, out with Paul expected to be waived or moved to a new team.
As low as it was, that was a price the Bucks couldn’t meet.
For starters, the only three players the Bucks could’ve sent away in a deal while acquiring Beal were Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday or Khris Middleton. We know Antetokounmpo is off the table. Middleton also had a player option for $40.4 million and it’s difficult to envision him accepting that, only to be sent to a rebuilding Washington team.
That left Holiday. Holiday has been a defensive stud for the Bucks since his arrival and has led the point of attack for one of the NBA’s best defenses. However, his offense has fallen off a cliff in the postseason on an annual basis. Milwaukee could be looking to shake things up, trying to triple down on their commitment to winning.
But why would Washington want Holiday? He just turned 33-years-old a week ago and doesn’t fit the bill for a rebuilding team. Sure, the Bucks could’ve searched for a third trade partner, but that gets even more complicated.
Furthermore, Milwaukee would’ve had to attach assets in addition to shipping out Holiday. Their only assets are 22-year-old MarJon Beauchamp, the 58th pick in this year’s draft, two other second-rounders, and a 2029 first-round selection. That’s a bare cupboard.
Beal also had a decisive say in where he ended up. He has the NBA’s only no-trade clause, allowing him to dictate who he gets traded to and how much the team gives up. He could theoretically veto a deal that strips his new team of assets and the ability to win. He reportedly picked the Suns over a trade offer from the Bucks and others.
His salary was another significant question mark. He’s entering the second year of a five-year, $251 million contract that sees him get paid $46.7 million in 2023-24. That number escalates in each of the next four seasons until he has a $57.1 million player option in 2026-27. He has the sixth-highest salary for next season.
Milwaukee is already paying Antetokounmpo $45.6 million next year. The new CBA makes it extremely difficult for teams to operate in the second apron, limiting the assets they can use and even the trades they can make in the future. It would’ve more or less locked them into their current iteration of this team (minus any other trades).
It’s great to see Horst continue to explore every avenue to upgrade the Bucks’ roster. He took a gamble in acquiring Holiday, shipping out Eric Bledsoe and a boatload of first-round picks. The move was rewarded with an NBA championship in 2021.
As motivated as general manager Jon Horst apparently was to get a deal done, there proved to be too many barriers to overcome in the end. A lack of assets, having to trade one of your big three, and the new CBA were just some of the challenges to overcome.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee Brewers Would Reportedly Love to Add Paul Goldschmidt This Winter
According to MLB Insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Milwaukee Brewers would love to add free agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt this winter.
He wrote the following on Monday:
The Brewers would love to find a way to get former Cardinals All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt on their roster, and would have been all-in if first baseman Rhys Hoskins had opted out of his contract.
Hoskins did opt-in, meaning that the Brewers would need to do some roster gymnastics to find time for both guys at first base and designated hitter.
Goldschmidt would be a nice add to the offense, especially considering the team is widely expected to lose Willy Adames in free agency. Furthermore, since Goldschmidt was not issued a qualifying offer by the Cardinals, he won’t cost a draft pick on Milwaukee’s end, which is highly appealing.
A lifetime, .289 hitter, Goldschmidt has spent 14 years in the big leagues with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cardinals. He is a seven-time All-Star and a four-time Gold Glover. He won the MVP Award in the National League in 2022.
The Delaware native is coming off a year in which he hit .245 with 22 homers and 65 RBI. He posted a .302 on-base percentage. The Brewers are coming off a year in which they won the National League Central and advanced to the wild card round of the playoffs before losing to the New York Mets.
They have designs on staying atop the division, but losing Adames will be a big loss. Perhaps adding Goldschmidt can alleviate it.
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Milwaukee, WI
Best Black Friday deals for Milwaukee Bucks fans this holiday season
Doc Rivers and Brook Lopez on a funny moment at the end of the Packers game
Milwaukee Bucks coach (and Chicago Bears fan) Doc Rivers and Brook Lopez on a funny moment they shared when the Bears missed a last-second field goal against the Packers.
Provided by Milwaukee Bucks
Make this holiday time your “Dame time” for gift giving for the Milwaukee Bucks fan in your life.
The Bucks are going hunting for a playoff spot but there’s still time to nab some Deer Gear for loved ones this holiday season.
Here are some options:
Milwaukee Bucks Black Friday deals at Fanatics
Bucks stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are a force on the court and fans can show their support for the duo with replica jerseys. Even the latest Nike city edition jersey is available for fans of both players.
For those that grew up in a different era, there are vintage Bucks jerseys of Ray Allen, Oscar Robertson and Michael Redd.
And it even has a Bucks dress that’s perfect for date night.
Giannis Antetokounmpo jersey $119.99
Damian Lillard Nike city edition $119.99
Ray Allen Mitchell & Ness hardwood classic jersey $94.49
Oscar Robertson Michell & Ness hardwood classic jersey $139.99
Bucks Pro Standard Women’s Classic Bodycon Dress $67.99
Shop Milwaukee Bucks gear
Milwaukee Bucks Black Friday deal at Amazon
Amazon is a good place to find unique Bucks gifts for the hooper in your life. Maybe it’s a Bango coffee mug or a mini basketball hoop for your child’s bedroom (or the home office). It’s also got flags for fans to fly after a victory.
Bucks Bango coffee mug $24.99
Bucks mini basketball hoop $15.95
Bucks 3×5 outdoor flag $29.95
Shop Milwaukee Bucks Amazon Black Friday deals
Milwaukee Bucks Black Friday deals at Walmart
Walmart has some Bucks gear that can’t be found at many other places, like a reclining chair, perfect to watch the game at home.
A Bucks barstool is perfect for the basement or kitchen bar. And for those with an autographed basketball in need for a way to put it on display,
Bucks DreamSeat stealth power plus recliner $999.99
Bucks padded swivel barstool $119.03
Bucks basketball display case $67.49
Shop Milwaukee Bucks Walmart Black Friday deals
Bucks Black Friday golf gear deals
The Bucks season takes place mostly during the winter and spring, but after the playoffs (and NBA finals) the weather is perfect for golfers to do 18 holes.
It might be time to get a new golf bag decked out in Bucks insignia or golf headcovers. Maybe something a little more subtle like a polo when the wind is going in the right direction.
Bucks WinCraft golf bag $216.99
Bucks 3-piece golf club headcover $75.00
Bucks Levelwear polo $49.95
Bucks Black Friday jewelry deals
Jewelry can be an elegant way to rep the Bucks in a way that’s not so in-your-face but also hard to ignore. Whether it’s Bucks earrings, a bracelet or a necklace, there’s a way to show love for your favorite squad while in a formal setting.
Bucks official NBA logo pendant $139
Bucks Lusso Hermione necklace $92.39
Bucks Baublebar huggie earrings $29.40
Milwaukee Bucks tickets
The best way to show your Bucks fandom is to let the team know in person. The season lasts until April and there are plenty of games to go to between now and then. And an experience is always a great gift, which is why StubHub is the place to go to find the perfect game to get tickets.
Shop Milwaukee Bucks tickets
Milwaukee Bucks championship book
History Makers: The Milwaukee Bucks Win Their First NBA Championship in 50 Years
Relive the Bucks’ historic 2020–21 season in this 160-page hardcover book. Featuring action-packed photos and compelling stories from the award-winning journalists of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, this collector’s book gives you an inside look at the Bucks’ rise to claim their first championship in 50 years. Get inside the huddle and read about the Bucks’ rise to claim the NBA Championship. Click here.
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee Cream City Challenge Ends with 3rd Panther Win
Milwaukee’s Cream City Challenge was a smashing success for the host-Panthers, placing a bow on an undefeated weekend with a 69-65 win over St. Thomas on Sunday. Milwaukee defeated Portland State and Wofford earlier in the weekend to improve to 5-2.
Milwaukee took a seven-point lead into the final 90 seconds before surrendering back-to-back threes to narrow their lead to a single point. Themus Fulks’ free throws and a St. Thomas turnover off an attempted foul sealed the win for Milwaukee.
“We have guys who have closed out games,” said Lundy, whose team dropped four games by fewer than five points last year. “We have guys that are more connected to each other and more connected to me. We can get a little more intricate in what we can do… [Last year], I would have been afraid of fouling up three, but I know these guys will process what I’m asking them to do and be able to perform it.”
He added that he was impressed with the team’s effort and connectedness in light of the three-game-in-three-days format of the invitational.
No Faizon Fields, No Problem
A day after falling two points shy of his third straight double-double, Jamichael Stillwell scored 22 points and grabbed a game-high 8 rebounds. The Butler CC transfer’s 73 boards this year more-than double the next-best Panther.
“For me,” said Stillwell, “rebounding is like second nature.”
Stillwell and forward Aaron Franklin led the team to a 40-25 rebound advantage, including 14 offensive boards that led to 17 second-chance points. The Tommies converted just one basket off the offensive glass.
Franklin tied his career high with 15 points and added 8 rebounds in an increased role due to Fields’ absence due to a broken finger.
Big Men Also Setting Tone on Defense
The 2023-24 Panthers were a fast-paced group with a propensity for defensive lapses. The result – 78.7 points per game by their opponents.
This year’s Panthers have yet to allow more than 74 through their first seven games.
“To have bigger guys like Jamichael, Darius Duffy and Franklin who can switch and still guard those guards,” said Lundy, “they did a great job… It’s nice to have that luxury as a coach that you’ve got big guys that can switch out, move their feet and understand how to play.”
Themus Fulks added a career-high 5 steals from the point guard position.
“We’re excellent defensively and we’re really good on the glass,” said Lundy. “If you do those two things, you’ll be alright.”
Milwaukee continued the reversal of their 2023-24 first-half woes, leading 32-22 at halftime. Stillwell picked up for yesterday’s stars Fulks and AJ McKee in the first half, scoring a team-high 13 points. Fulks and McKee combined for just 8 points in the initial period.
The guards each finished with 9 points. Fellow guard Erik Pratt missed his fifth straight game due to personal reasons.
The second half included a pair of technical fouls, one from Stillwell and another from the team’s bench. A squabble between the two teams involved John Lovelace Jr. from the UWM side a few minutes later.
The Minnesota-based squad nabbed a short-lived 44-42 lead after sinking four straight free throws from the fouls. Momentum quickly shifted back in the home team’s favor as a 10-2 run gave the Panthers a six-point lead they never relinquished.
Graduate student Drake Dobbs led the Tommies with a season-high 16 points and 5 rebounds. Kendall Blue and Miles Barnstable added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Barnstable was one of five Wisconsinites on the visiting roster, a Howards Grove graduate who transferred after scoring over 1,000 points for UW-Whitewater.
Brookfield Central’s Ben Nau, MUHS’s (Marquette) Nolan Minessale and Catholic Memorial’s Rich Byhre all saw action in their home state on Sunday.
Big Thanksgiving Week Ahead
The Panthers head south for a two-game Thanksgiving week trip against Central Florida on Wednesday and Southern Miss on Saturday.
“We need to move the ball more,” said Stillwell. “We’ve been having breakdowns on defense off of our mistakes. We just need to clean it up a little bit.”
UCF returns home after a two-game invitational that ended in losses against Wisconsin and LSU. They knocked off No. 13 Texas A&M to begin the season on Nov. 4.
Southern Miss left Milwaukee with a 90-84 win last November, the only time the Sun Belt club has faced the Panthers.
“It’s a tough trip,” said Lundy, who indicated the team will spend Thanksgiving together in New Orleans. “UCF is really talented. They’ve been up and down and are still figuring themselves out… Regardless, it’ll be a good trip for our group.”
Sunday marked the third consecutive season where Milwaukee and St. Thomas met, with the Tommies taking the previous two matchups. The St. Paul-based university joined Division I in 2021-22, becoming the newest member of the Summit League.
The Tommies were tabbed for a fourth-place finish in the official preseason poll behind Kansas City, South Dakota State and North Dakota State.
“They are well-coached,” said Lundy. “They’re going to win a lot of games.”
Sunday’s victors hope to find the same success on the road this week – catch the Panthers on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. on Wednesday and 1 p.m. on Saturday.
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