Patrick Beverley spurns tradition, breaks his own trade on social media
Patrick Beverley has been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. The veteran guard spent the first half of the season with the Philadelphia 76ers. As reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Daryl Morey's team will receive a 2027 second-round pick as part of the package.
However, there is a unique aspect to this deal. Beverley used his own social media channel to break the news of his trade. Usually, the reporting comes via Wojnarowski or The Athletic's Shams Charania. As such, this is something new that may become more mainstream in the coming years.
Beverley's announcement came via his podcast page on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Beverley will provide the Bucks with a hard-nosed, defensive-minded guard. He will improve the team's point-of-attack defense and provide reliable backup for Damian Lillard. The move does come as somewhat of a shock, as Beverley has been an ever-present in Nick Nurse's rotation this season. In 45 appearances, he's averaging 6.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists, shooting 43.2% from the field and 32.1% from three-point range.
Doc Rivers will now reunite with a player he coached during his tenure with the LA Clippers. Beverley will likely understand the role his former coach envisions for him. Milwaukee's decision to acquire the veteran will undoubtedly be due to its desire to improve the team's overall defense ahead of the postseason.
The Bucks currently sit 18th in the league for defensive rating. They will need to rapidly improve their execution on that side of the floor if they want to be a championship-contending team. Beverley will add toughness and leadership to the rotation. However, it will remain to be seen if he can help change the current defensive culture within the roster and lead them back to a top-10 defensive rating.
Still, Milwaukee has made a move. It pinpointed a potential upgrade and found a way to get him through the door. Now, it's on Rivers and the players to make things work and turn around what has been a disappointing season for the franchise in terms of defense. Fortunately for Milwaukee, there's still plenty of basketball left to play, and it has two All-Stars to help lead the way.
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