Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks

Age: 23

2017-18 Per-Game Stats: 12.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals, 48.2 percent shooting, 38.3 percent shooting

Advanced Stats: 17.1 PER, s-26.83 TPA, minus-2.89 RPM

Contract Details: $4.3 million qualifying offer (restricted free agent)

Giannis Antetokounmpo definitely disagrees with this Jabari Parker drop.

“Jabari ain’t going nowhere,” he said, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Matt Velazquez. “He’s going to be here and he’s going to be ready for next season.”

Will he really, though?where can i buy nfl jerseys cheap

Almost half of Parker’s career thus far has been lost to two ACL injuries. Signing him to a long-term deal would be a huge risk—particularly when he’s such an iffy fit beside Antetokounmpo. Check out the Milwaukee Bucks’ net rating with both players on the court these past few years:

2014-15 (417 minutes): -5.7
2015-16 (1,785 minutes): -1.0
2016-17 (1,207 minutes): -1.7
2017-18 (335 minutes): -6.3

Milwaukee should eventually survive on offense during Antetokounmpo-Parker minutes. But the defense is only going to get worse. Antetokounmpo is best served at the 4—aka Parker’s only position. Slotting him at the 3 is pleading for disaster, and he’ll get destroyed at the 5 unless he improves his roving rim protection.

Funneling money into a player who doesn’t complement your top star is franchise malpractice. Especially when your cap sheet is so complicated. The Bucks don’t have to worry about the luxury tax this season, but it becomes a major concern next summer when Eric Bledsoe, Malcolm Brogdon (restricted) and Khris Middleton (player option) hit the open market.

Signing and trading Parker has to be on the table. It should save the Bucks money and ensures they’re not losing him for nothing. Yes, these transactions are rare. But they’re due for a comeback. At least two-thirds of the league won’t have money to spend this summer. Sign-and-trades expand that list of landing spots to include teams without space.

Would the Utah Jazz consider a dual sign-and-trade for Derrick Favors? What about the Clippers with DeAndre Jordan? Might the Miami Heat consider a package built around Justise Winslow and Hassan Whiteside?

Whatever’s out there, the Bucks should take it upon themselves to find out.

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