By: Steve Kyler
Change Is Good: Last year Bucks' guard John Salmons was traded from Sacramento to the Chicago Bulls and helped power their run into the playoffs.
The Bulls were hoping for big things from Salmons this year that never materialized and ultimately they decided to trade him and his $5.8 million player options for next season to the Milwaukee Bucks, who really couldn't be happier with the deal.
"When we were talking about making a move, we looked at him, and still do, as just a good, all-around pro guard," Bucks coach Scott Skiles said to Charles F. Gardner of the Journal Sentinel . "He can post up a little bit. He shoots the ball well enough. He can put it on the floor and get to the rim. He can dish it if necessary. He's a solid defender.
"He's a professional and has a real calm demeanor out there, and that has helped our guys."
Salmons has started 14 of the 16 possible games since arriving in Milwaukee and is averaging 19.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists. The Bucks are 13-2 since acquiring Salmons who has been the Bucks top scorer in 8 of his 16 games in Milwaukee.
Salmons' play has been so good, that there has been talk that he may opt-out of his $5.8 million contract year and test free agency in hopes of getting longer-term security and possibly a small pay raise, something the Bucks seem more than open to.
And from the gift that keeps on giving department; The Bucks received two future second-round picks from Chicago as part of the deal and the right to switch first-round picks with the Bulls this year if Chicago's pick is not in the top 10.
If the playoff started today, the Bucks would be the 5th seed in the East and would face the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. The Bucks have only seen Atlanta once in the regular season, but face them twice in the next 21 days.
The Bucks have 14 games remaining on the schedule, including 9 home games.
Read more NBA news and Insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?STORY_ID=15699#ixzz0iuyZSvQ9
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