The Bucks continued to stockpile assets ahead of their upcoming playoff run on Friday, agreeing to a deal with Pau Gasol following his buyout with the Spurs. Friday’s deal comes three weeks after Milwaukee traded for Nikola Mirotic at the trade deadline, and the move to bring in Gasol signals a continuation of the team’s roster construction dating back to July 2018: surround Giannis Antetokounmpo with spacers and shooters, allowing the Greek Freak to fly into the lane unabated.
Milwaukee’s strategy has been sound thus far. The Bucks are first in the East entering Thursday night’s road matchup with the Lakers, on pace for the team’s first 60-plus win season since 1980-81.