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MIL receives: SG Wayne Ellington
MIA receives: PF Jason Smith, 2019 Second Round Pick, Future protected second round pick
As the top team in the East, Milwaukee is in win-now mode. Adding a proven shooter in Ellington would create more floor spacing for Giannis, Khris Middleton, Eric Bledsoe, and company. His ability to shoot along the perimeter would work wonders for the Bucks’ offense which is in the bottom-half of the league in terms of three-point percentage. On top of that, he gives Milwaukee more depth in general, solidifying them even more as a true contender.
Ellington’s 38.0% career three-point shooting will be huge for a team that is looking like one of the top threats to come out of the Eastern Conference and de-throne Golden State. His expiring contract and diminished role in South Beach mean that Milwaukee may be able to acquire him without giving up any important pieces or young prospects.
Miami currently has the league’s highest salary cap. With a handful of contracts they’re looking to get off of the books, this trade makes sense for a couple of reasons. For starters, the Heat are able to swap expiring contracts and get two small picks out of it as well. Ellington is set to become a free agent in July and Miami could use Milwaukee’s need for a shooter as leverage, preventing Pat Riley and company from just letting him walk. They won’t have to take on any financial responsibilities past this season, helping the franchise in their quest to lower cap space.