The Reconstruction Of The Milwaukee Bucks Continues

The Bucks traded Richard Jefferson to the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday in a move very similar to the one made almost a year ago to the day.

Jefferson was acquired by the Bucks on June 26, 2008, for Bobby Simmons and Yi Jianlian in a move that was, in part, a salary dump to get rid of Simmons' big contract.

The Bucks now move Jefferson to the Spurs to get his salary off their books, and in return they get Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas, and Fabricio Oberto. Of the three, only Kurt Thomas is thought to be sticking around Milwaukee for any length of time. Bowen and Oberto will likely be released and save the Bucks an additional $6.35 million on their salary cap.

This trade was made, in large part, for the Bucks to get under the salary cap and try to resign Charlie Villanueva, Ramon Sessions, or both. The Bucks are slated to draft number 10 in the draft on Thursday night and most mock draft and experts have them taking point guard Jonny Flynn.

If Flynn isn't on the board, there are still several other point guards that will be available that the Bucks could take. For that reason, I see this trade primarily being made to free up money to bring Charlie Villanueva back to the Bucks.

Villanueva is coming off a great season that saw him attain career-highs in points (16.2), rebounds (6.7), and assists (1.8).

Villanueva gives the Bucks versatility and depth in the frontcourt. Although he will never be confused for a great defensive player, he causes match-up problems for other teams, and gives the Bucks a great inside-outside tandem with Andrew Bogut.

Retaining Kurt Thomas will also add depth to the frontcourt and give coach Scott Skiles another option off his bench.

Bowen and Oberto would have been great depth for the Bucks, but saving on their salaries is more important for the development of the roster.

The trading of Jefferson may seem like Bucks' management is already giving up on the 2010 season. However, Bucks' General Manager John Hammond and his staff are continuing to rebuild a once proud franchise to bring it back to prominence in the NBA.