The Milwaukee Bucks have already taken a big step into the future after trading away Giannis Antetokounmpo, and that leaves them with a fresh pile of promising players and draft capital to sort through. That makes the next move simple in theory: don’t waste the reset unless the return is truly worth it.
A proposed deal from Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes doesn’t come close.
From Milwaukee’s side, the package would mean sending out four impact players for what looks like a thin return. Brandin Podziemski is the healthiest name in the group, but he’s still far from All-Star territory and is due for a sizable raise next summer.
Moses Moody is dealing with a torn patellar tendon and will miss considerable time. Jimmy Butler may be the biggest name involved, but he is coming back from a torn ACL and will also miss time.
Will Richard is described as a useful piece, but that’s about the extent of it.
The draft compensation doesn’t do enough to change the equation, either. If the Bucks accepted this deal, they would be helping the Warriors more than themselves.
The package might not turn Milwaukee into a contender, but it could be enough to push them toward the postseason and leave them with a pick next year that isn’t especially attractive. A first-rounder five years out has some value, but it’s a long way off.
That’s where the Bucks’ current situation matters. If they were in line to control their own high pick next season, then moving win-now players for future assets would make sense.
But their pick belongs to New Orleans, so losing games doesn’t bring them any direct reward. That makes holding onto the core pieces and seeing what they can do the more sensible route.
Hughes did note that Milwaukee should push for another first-round pick, and that would make the idea more appealing.
Golden State, meanwhile, would jump at the chance. With Butler and Moody injured and Podziemski and Richard projecting as solid role players, the Warriors could still feel like they’re watching another season of Steph Curry’s prime slip away. This trade would at least give them a chance to do something about it by going all-in on four players who could help right away.
Herro is a former All-Star guard who fits neatly into Golden State’s 3-point-heavy approach and can ease some of the load on Curry. Jaquez is mentioned as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate who could bring scoring.
Myles Turner would fill a major need as a two-way big man. Porter would also give the Warriors a backup for Curry, and he is coming off a career year even though injuries have often been part of his story.
For Golden State, landing that kind of haul for two injured players, two role players and two picks would be a steal.
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