The Milwaukee Bucks are sending guard Michael Carter-Williams to Chicago in exchange for Tony Snell, according to multiple reports.
ESPN was first to report the two sides were nearing an agreement:
BREAKING: League sources tell @ZachLowe_NBA and me that Bucks and Bulls are in deep talks on a Michael Carter-Williams-for-Tony Snell trade.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) October 16, 2016
Charles Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel later confirmed the report:
Source confirms MCW being traded to Bulls for Tony Snell. Not done yet but could be done by Monday.
— cfgardner (@cf_gardner) October 16, 2016
Milwaukee has been noticeably active in recent weeks, with their sights aimed towards gaining wing depth after the loss of Khris Middleton to injury.
The Bucks offered Michael Carter-Williams in several different trade packages over the past year, and are intrigued with the potential of Tony Snell. They value his offensive capabilities, and recognize the help he’ll bring at the wing spot in Middleton’s absence.
Snell averaged 5.3 points in 20.3 minutes per game with the Bulls last season, shooting a respectable 36% from downtown but an underwhelming 37% from the field. He showed flashes of potential with the Bulls since being drafted in 2013, but his struggles under coach Fred Hoiberg’s system ultimately led to the team giving up on him.
Adding Michael Carter-Williams, who shot 27% from deep last season, to a roster already filled with non-shooters is a risky move for the Bulls. Nonetheless, they’ll acquire a proven back-up point guard to elevate its second unit and come off the bench for veterans Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade.
Despite seeing his name surface in a flurry of rumors since the year began, Carter-Williams surprisingly had no interest in leaving the Bucks organization, according to one source close to the 25-year-old. He wasn’t pleased with his recent demotion to the bench, but regardless, still gave his all to the franchise and its fans, both on and off the court. He preferred staying with the franchise in an expanded role, and believed he’d eventually regain his starting point guard job this season.
Carter-Williams played in 54 games last season due to injury, averaging 11.5 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds in 30.5 minutes per contest.
Both Snell and Carter-Williams are eligible to receive rookie-scale extensions by the league-wide deadline, October 31st.
