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One the stranger trades on deadline day came between two Eastern Conference contenders. The Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers swapped backup point guards, in a rare trade between two teams that competing to win the conference.

Here are the particulars:

Milwaukee Bucks acquire: Patrick Beverley

Philadelphia 76ers acquire: Cameron Payne, 2027 Bucks second-round pick

Let’s dive in!

Milwaukee Bucks

Incoming salary: $2.0 million in 2023-24

  • Patrick Beverley (PG, one year, $2.0 million)

Outgoing salary: $2.0 million in 2023-24

  • Cameron Payne (PG, one year, $2.0 million)

The Bucks defense has been underwhelming all season. They are particular bad with their point-of-attack defense. Enter Beverley.

At this point in his career, Beverley isn’t making any more All-Defensive teams, but he’s still a good on-ball defender. And Beverley is already the best defensive guard Milwaukee has. That’s probably worth swapping out the former backup point guard and a future second-round pick for.

Beverley will also infuse some energy into a team that has lacked it this season. Despite all the excitement over adding Damian Lillard, Milwaukee underachieving has left things feeling flat. Beverley will help to change that.

Philadelphia 76ers

Incoming salary: $2.0 million in 2023-24

  • Cameron Payne (PG, one year, $2.0 million)

Outgoing salary: $2.0 million in 2023-24

  • Patrick Beverley (PG, one year, $2.0 million)

The Sixers seem more likely to lean into offense for the next stretch of game while Joel Embiid is out. Philadelphia is probably going to push pace more. That makes Payne a better fit for the team than Beverley.

However, this trade was mostly about getting that future second-round pick. Daryl Morey gave up three picks to get Buddy Hield in an earlier deal. This recoups one pick. And, of course, the 76ers didn’t add any long-term money in the deal.

 

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