The Milwaukee Bucks are at a crossroads. With the trade deadline approaching and the Eastern Conference heating up, every roster move carries extra weight. So when a proposed deal floated the idea of sending Amir Coffey and Jericho Sims to Dallas in exchange for Caleb Martin, it raised more than a few eyebrows-not because it’s a blockbuster, but because it highlights a deeper issue with how Milwaukee is approaching its roster construction.
On paper, it looks like a small upgrade. In reality, it’s a step sideways-maybe even backward.
Let’s start with what the Bucks would be giving up. Amir Coffey hasn’t been a factor this season.
That’s no secret. He was a low-risk flyer who didn’t crack the rotation, and Milwaukee’s already moved on, turning his minutes over to Gary Harris.
So in isolation, losing Coffey doesn’t move the needle.
But Jericho Sims? That’s a different story.
Sims has quietly carved out a niche as an athletic, rim-protecting big who fits surprisingly well next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Even with Pete Nance emerging as a rotation option, Sims brings something unique: verticality, mobility, and a defensive presence that complements Giannis’ all-court game.
When those two share the floor, the numbers speak for themselves. At one point, Milwaukee posted a defensive rating of just 88.9 points allowed per 100 possessions with Sims and Giannis on the court together.
That’s elite territory, driven by their shared length, agility, and ability to switch or protect the rim. Offensively, they’re not a dynamic duo-but that’s not what Milwaukee needs from Sims.
His job is to anchor the paint, clean the glass, and make life easier for Giannis on the defensive end. And he’s done that.
Trading Sims leaves the Bucks leaning heavily on Bobby Portis and Myles Turner at center-again. And we’ve already seen how that’s worked out.
Portis brings energy and scoring, but he’s not a rim protector. Turner is a solid starter, but he can’t shoulder the full load.
Without Sims, Milwaukee’s frontcourt depth takes a serious hit, especially in a playoff setting where matchups and minutes tighten.
**So what are the Bucks getting in return? Caleb Martin.
A solid player. But not a solution.
**
Martin’s a classic 3-and-D wing. He can guard a few positions, hit open threes, and bring playoff experience to the table. He’s the kind of player every contender wants in their rotation-but he’s not the kind of player who fixes what’s broken in Milwaukee.
The Bucks’ biggest issues? Perimeter defense and bench scoring.
Martin helps a little in both areas, but not enough to move the needle. He’s not locking down elite wings.
He’s not creating his own shot or running the second unit. He’s essentially a slightly better version of what Milwaukee already has in guys like Taurean Prince or even Kyle Kuzma on a good night.
That’s what makes this trade frustrating. It’s not that Martin’s a bad player-he’s not.
It’s that this kind of lateral move has become a pattern for Milwaukee. Instead of targeting players who address specific weaknesses, the Bucks keep shuffling the deck chairs, hoping incremental changes will add up to something more.
But in the postseason, when rotations shrink and weaknesses get exposed, those marginal upgrades don’t cut it.
Meanwhile, Dallas would be thrilled with this deal. They’d be adding a legit backup big in Sims-something they’ve been lacking-and a wing in Coffey who could contribute in the right system. All for a player whose minutes have already been reduced as Dallas found more consistent options on the wing.
If the Bucks are going to move Sims, it has to be for someone who clearly fills a need.
Caleb Martin isn’t that guy. He’s a useful rotation piece, but he doesn’t bring the kind of impact that justifies losing your best backup center-especially one who’s shown real chemistry with your franchise cornerstone.
And let’s be honest: this isn’t the kind of move that helps convince Giannis Antetokounmpo the Bucks are serious about contending. Trading away one of the few players who helps maximize his defensive impact for a middle-of-the-pack wing doesn’t scream “win-now.”
Final Verdict: C+
This trade might look fine on paper, but it leaves Milwaukee thinner where it matters most. Losing Sims’ rim protection and defensive synergy with Giannis for Martin’s solid-but-unspectacular wing play is a net negative.
It’s not a disaster, but it’s another example of the Bucks addressing the wrong problems with the wrong solutions. And with the clock ticking on their championship window, they can’t afford many more of those.