Milwaukee Bucks: Keep the Change

Most people who follow the Milwaukee Bucks have one thing in mind: When am I going to see some return for all my time and money backing you?

This is also the time when loyal Bucks fans get to find out what general manager John Hammond has in store for his latest project.

It has become clear that the Bucks have two very obvious paths they can take: Watch the trade deadline come and pass, save the season, and make a push for the playoffs for the first time in four dismal seasons—or they can start trading the talent away player by player.

Although the Mo Williams trade didn't at the time, and still doesn't make sense to a lot of Bucks fans, especially because of Mo's breakout All-Star season, it has been the sign of change for the Bucks in more ways than one. 

Basically, in exchange for Mo Williams, the Bucks received Luke Ridnour. Clearly not an All-Star player, but the Bucks have a guy who, before the injury, was a player who won games for you in the clutch. Also, Luke's contract expires after next season. 

The transformation of the Bucks wasn't going to be possible with Mo in the big picture with his big contract.

So now, will John continue in his quest to open up cap space for the upcoming free agency signing period this summer? It's tempting to trade Ramon Sessions and Charlie Villanueva right now because, with the amount of money that's due to overpaid players, it has tied our hands behind our back. 

But if you trade now, the Bucks aren't going to get much in return. Teams in the league are interested in both Sessions and Villanueva but know the Bucks' financial woes. So they are offering them below-market trades that in a better situation would never be considered. 

So trade them now, save money by not competing with other teams driving up the price for them in the summer, and add expiring contracts to give your team more breathing room from the hole they've dug themselves.

Bucks fans deserve more for their money. If they keep both Ramon and Charlie, they can make a run for the playoffs and get the fans back in the seats. They want to win now and have the drive. 

The fact they haven't thrown in the towel after three starters-turned-sitters are out—which made up 60 percent of their offense—is saying something. It's not something that will be sustained the rest of the season but it gives faith.

It would be best if we kept these guys, so we can have faith the team knows what's best for right now.