Since coming into the NBA three seasons ago, Thon Maker hasn’t enjoyed the type of upward-trending success many were hoping for.
In fact, it’s actually been the exact opposite, as sporadic play over the past few seasons has relegated him towards the bottom of a loaded Milwaukee Bucks bench. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Maker isn’t a fan of his limited role and has requested a trade with the hope of receiving more playing time elsewhere.
The representative for Milwaukee Bucks center Thon Maker has told management that he would prefer the franchise to trade Maker to a team that would provide a larger role for the former lottery pick, league sources told ESPN.
… Agent Mike George and Milwaukee general manager Jon Horst have discussed trade scenarios in recent weeks that would potentially make sense for both the player and team, league sources said.
The Bucks are under no obligation to trade Maker, but the organization has discussed possible deals with rival teams ahead of the Feb. 7 trade deadline, sources said.
Once an enticing prospect that appeared to fit the mold of the modern big man perfectly, Thon Maker has instead remained an afterthought as the Bucks continue their stellar campaign. Maker has been receiving frontcourt minutes behind the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, starting center Brook Lopez and second-year man DJ Wilson. With the best record in the NBA at 35-12, the Bucks have little motive to tinker with their rotation and could gauge the trade market for Maker ahead of the deadline.
Combining his 7-foot-1 frame with a capable outside touch, Maker possesses the tools to be an offensive nightmare, though things haven’t come together yet. Maker is also agile enough to run the floor on the break and protect the rim on defense, but his slender frame remains an issue in the post.
Still just 21 years old, there could be heaps of untapped potential to be taken advantage of if Maker were to ever find a proper situation for his skillset. Though on paper it seems as if Maker should be able to help the Bucks, the impact simply hasn’t been there and he remains someone worthy of being monitored prior to the trade deadline.
