The Milwaukee Bucks have traded Richard Jefferson to the San Antonio Spurs for Kurt Thomas, Bruce Bowen, and Fabrico Oberto.

This is a great trade for the San Antonio Spurs who were looking to get younger and provide a solid swingman who could play alongside Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan. Jefferson is 29 years old and can still fill it up. He averaged 20 points for the Bucks last season as the number one option with Michael Redd missing the majority of the season. He shot just 44% from the field. This is why I think Jefferson can really flourish in San Antonio. Jefferson had his best years when he was in New Jersey surrounded by guys like Jason Kidd and Vince Carter. With VC, Jefferson was not the number one scoring option and with J-Kidd, Jefferson played along someone who can make plays at the point guard role and could serve as a facilitator.

In San Antonio, there are a ton of guys now who are going to be averaging 18+ points. Tony Parker is a top 5 point guard in the Western Conference who can create shots by getting into the paint and dishing out to the wing. While Ramon Sessions had a decent year for the Bucks, he isn’t half the point guard that Parker is. To me, the Spurs added themselves a key piece in an attempt to get back to the top of the Western Conference. Now their main problem is going to be the health of Ginobili and how long can Tim Duncan hold up for.

For Milwaukee, their incentive to make this trade is 100% financial. All three players are in the final years of their contracts. After next season, the Bucks will have $15 million coming off the books which should allow them to be creative in the summer of 2010. The trade also saves the Bucks $3 million this year so Milwaukee has a bit more money to try and re-sign either Ramon Sessions or Charlie Villaneuava. If I am part of the Bucks organization, I am looking at re-signing Villaneuava and drafting a point guard in Thursday’s draft. There is a good chance Johnny Flynn, Brandon Jennings, or Jrue Holiday will be available when the Bucks select at #10.