The Milwaukee Bucks are still searching for their next move, and one NBA insider believes the answer could be Peyton Watson.
After the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to the Miami heat became official on July 6, Milwaukee has kept working to reshape its roster. The Bucks have been linked to several names this offseason as they look to add talent around their young core, and the list has narrowed to Jonathan Kuminga, Bennedict Mathurin and Watson.
Of that group, Watson appears to be the front-runner. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints laid out where the market may be heading for the remaining unsigned free agents, and he pointed to Milwaukee as the destination for Watson.
“The Milwaukee Bucks have an assortment of talent, including Jaime Jaquez Jr., who would be an ideal piece for Denver to bring back in a Watson deal. Not to mention, the Bucks have a great working relationship with Klutch Sports, and the team has a $25.4 million TPE from dealing Giannis to Miami that can be utilized to absorb a new contract for Watson in the $20 million per year range. Out of all of his suitors, Watson would get the most playing time and undoubtedly be a starter with Milwaukee.”
“Prediction: Cavs make a run for Peyton Watson, but Bucks wait until September and get a deal done.”
Siegel did note interest from other teams as well. For Kuminga, he listed the Los Angles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavilers as the likeliest landing spots, with the Lakers described as the clear choice. If Watson slips away, Siegel said the Cavilers could become the next destination for Kuminga.
Mathurin is also in the mix elsewhere, with the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angles Clippers and the Bucks mentioned as possible fits. From Milwaukee’s side, though, Watson remains the priority.
“From the Bucks' perspective, it seems like their priority is pursuing Watson,” Siegel wrote. “Should things fizzle out there or they aren't able to land Watson in a sign-and-trade, Mathurin would become Milwaukee's next-best option. The positive from Mathurin's perspective for possibly joining the Bucks is the fact that they are rebuilding and would instantly give him a sizable role as their fourth or fifth highest-paid player.”
Siegel also said that while the Bulls are Mathurin’s best fit, it is only a matter of time until he returns to the Clippers.
Watson’s appeal is easy to see. He is coming off a career-year, posting 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.1% from the field and 41.1% from 3-point range.
He also showed what he can do when given a bigger workload, even with three-time MVP off the court. Last season, with Jokic, he averaged 11.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.2 3PM and shot 39.0% from deep. Without Jokic, those numbers jumped to 22.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.3 3PM and 44.3% from 3-point range.
For now, Milwaukee’s focus seems clear. Watson is the target at the top of the board, and the Bucks are hoping Siegel’s prediction comes through.
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