The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly looking for wing reinforcement after shooting guard Khris Middleton was ruled out for six months following an injury sustained in training. Rumors are out that the team could target the Chicago Bulls' Doug McDermott and Philadelphia 76ers' Nik Stauskas before the new season starts next month.
Middleton, who just turned 25 last month, said to have torn his left hamstring during a recent Bucks training session and was ruled out for at least six months to heal and recuperate from surgery.
The 39th overall pick of the 2012 draft is the starting two-guard of head coach Jason Kidd and without him starting small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo may slide back to the number two position. Kidd could also pick between veteran Jason Terry or sophomore Rashad Vaughn to step up and fill the SG starting chores.
However, reports are out that with training camp just days away, the Bucks are looking to make a trade "for wing help" and that the team is "making calls" to try and find a suitable temporary replacement for Middleton's loss, as per Chat Sports.
The report noted that Rudy Gay is one of the options that the Bucks could consider as the team may include out-of-place center Greg Monroe in any trade package to find a new small forward or shooting guard.
Meanwhile, Inquisitr indicated that Bulls' small forward McDermott and Sixers' shooting guard Stauskas are "possible options" for Milwaukee as well since the two are also rumored to be on the trading block for their respective teams.
Both McDermott and Stauskas are rising young wingmen who played their best seasons in 2015-2016 and so they are definitely affordable but high-value targets.
It is not yet clear, though, if the Bucks want an already established starting-caliber player, but if they are expecting Middleton to still be their main man at the position, then going for young, developing players with a high future potential is the best move for the club at this point.
Middleton, Antetokounmpo, and Jabari Parker are said to be the young core that the Bucks are counting on to bring them consistent playoff success and so it can be expected that the team will still favor the former Texas A&M standout when he returns from injury.
