Milwaukee Bucks are involved in the latest controversy in the NBA. The league is investigating whether the Bucks tampered with or not when it came to a deal with Bogdan Bogdanovic. Bucks have been radio silent this week, but it would not surprise me if before free agent a statement comes out. Bucks could always talk about the framework for a deal. They just could not actually make the deal happen. Remember, this became concrete when Woj reported it on Monday night. At no point before then was it a thing. With Milwaukee waiving Ersan Ilyasova, many feel this deal is dead and buried. There’s a chance that is not the case.

If Milwaukee wants Bogdan, they’re going to find a way to make it happen. The path that makes the most sense is including Brook Lopez in the sign-and-trade freeing up the cap space needed to make Bogdan happen. They could include Donte DiVencenzo and the deal can happen. This would be a major blow to Milwaukee’s team defense and part of their offense. But Aron Baynes is out there for anyone, and he fits the Lopez profile. He isn’t as good as Lopez but does similar things. Phoenix is not paying him after drafting Jalen Smith, and he will be readily available. Baynes also would add some toughness to Milwaukee.

The other part is more of a longshot, and it’s more of Bogdan saying ‘Fuck the money.’ I doubt that’s the case, but let’s throw it out there. They could add D.J. Wilson and DiVencenzo like previously planned then sign-and-trade either Sterling Brown or Pat Connaughton if there’s interest from Sacramento. Connaughton might get it around what Ilaysova made and the numbers would get close. Brown would be more around three or four million. Bogdanovic is likely not playing for five million less. There is a chance that Milwaukee gets creative here with the available free agents they have on the roster.

People are wondering why Ersan got waived and they probably want the league completely off the scent. They do not want them to point to any evidence of tampering taking place. Now it’s up to Milwaukee to figure out if they have a deal for Bogdan or not. If not, let’s look elsewhere and find someone at his caliber.

Charlie.