The Milwaukee Bucks unsurprisingly made changes after a first-round playoff exit, but re-signed Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez to keep the team in title contention. New head coach Adrian Griffin is known for his ability to develop talent, and the Bucks have some to work with, but their core is one of the oldest in the league. Giannis Antetokounmpo is 29 with the other three members all being 32-plus.
The Bucks must find ways to get younger if they plan to extend their championship window and keep the Greek Freak happy in Milwaukee. Even their recent additions of Jae Crowder and Robin Lopez could come back to bite them as both players are past their primes.
Can Milwaukee get younger and stay in contention before the trade deadline? It won’t be easy, especially with just one first-round draft and a couple of second-rounders to offer, but that should be the goal. Give coach Griffin a few players to develop in hopes of extending their run.
Trades Milwaukee Bucks can make to get younger but stay in title contention
5. Bucks get Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga popped up in trade rumors this summer, but it is unclear how available he was. New general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. is open to all trade talks, except on Stephen Curry. Kuminga was mentioned, and the rumors got out, but will they trade him?
The 20-year-old slipped out of the rotation in the playoffs, but he was the seventh overall pick in 2021 for a reason. Kuminga still has immense potential as a 6’8 forward with his athletic ability is tough to find.
The Dubs have traded multiple pieces from their second timeline this summer and Kuminga could be next.
The Bucks and Warriors are both over the second tax apron, so neither team can take back more money in a trade than they send out. The salaries never match perfectly, so this deal takes a third team. San Antonio has jumped in multiple deals this summer and would love to add more assets and draft capital as they build around Victor Wembanyama.
Milwaukee trades Jae Crowder, Malik Beasley, Robin Lopez, their 2029 1st round pick, and a 2024 2nd round via Portland for Kuminga. It is a hefty price, but one that lets them get younger and gives them upside moving forward.
This deal is complicated and unlikely, but it is one way the Milwaukee Bucks can add upside to their roster.
4. Target Suggs
The Magic have a logjam in the backcourt after drafting Anthony Black and Jett Howard in the lottery. They need to find playing time for Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, Jalen Suggs, and the two rookies. Their best bet would be to make a trade, but who does Orlando send packing?
Suggs was the fifth overall pick in 2021, but his offensive struggles could have him on the chopping block. The 22-year-old is shooting 38.7 percent from the field and 27.1 percent on his 3-point tries for his career after two years. His defense is ahead of Fultz and Anthony, but the Magic may not have minutes to continue his development.
This may look like a weak return for the number five pick entering his third year, but Jalen Suggs has struggled. His playing time decreased last season, and the 22-year-old could be outside the rotation entirely in year three.
The Bucks could buy low and give coach Griffin a young 6’4 guard to develop. Jalen Suggs would operate as a defensive-first option in Milwaukee as his playmaking and shot selection develop. He needs to improve his jumper to take the next step, and the Bucks should offer plenty of open looks playing off Giannis and Middleton.
The Orlando Magic are not the only rebuilding team with excess young talent. The Milwaukee Bucks could also target the Thunder and Rockets to try to shake loose developing players on rookie deals.
3. Challenge trade
The Bucks face a difficult challenge in getting their core four younger, especially with just one first-round pick to offer in deals. Milwaukee could try to downgrade slightly to get younger, but that does not seem wise for a team with title aspirations in 2024.
The Bucks handing a massive contract to Brook Lopez opened up an opportunity. Can they trade the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year for another rim-protecting and floor-spacing big man that is eight years younger? Turner is always in the rumors, and this trade could give the Pacers a current upgrade and a future swap.
Should the Bucks make this move? Lopez is 35 years old and the decline could come at any moment. Turner is coming off the best year of his career where he averaged 18.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in 29.4 minutes per game. He should just be entering his prime and will still be near his peak when Lopez hanging up his sneakers.
Challenge trades are always dangerous, but more so with a superstar on the roster. If things go sideways, this could be the start of losing arguably the league’s best player. The Milwaukee Bucks won’t make this trade, but it is worth considering as they look to get younger and extend their title window.
2. Get KPJ from the Rockets
Can Kevin Porter Jr. be an impactful contributor to a winning team? He has not had the chance to prove himself, but the 6’4 guard must accept a sixth-man role. KPJ averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 34.3 minutes per game last season as the Rockets’ starting point guard. He would give the Bucks more offensive firepower, and the 23-year-old should still have room to grow.
Porter Jr. will make $15.8 million this season, and he has three virtually non-guaranteed years left at that same number. The Bucks could take this season by season. KPJ has had attitude issues, but those could go away on a winning team. What is Milwaukee willing to give up for him?
The Rockets signed Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green, and Jock Landale this summer to return to the playoffs. Houston could be interested in dumping Porter Jr. for two rotation players with playoff experience. Allen provides needed floor spacing and Connaughton could improve their second unit.
The Milwaukee Bucks need to get younger, and no rotation-ready 23-year-old on a four-year contract will come cheaper. Yes, they may regret the pick swap in 2030, but all is forgotten if Kevin Porter Jr. helps them make a deep playoff run. This is a risky move and only works if head coach Adrian Griffin believes he can get the best out of the 6’4 guard.
1. Dream deal
The NBA does not work like 2k where you can override the trades. Both sides have to agree to make a deal. The Raptors set a high price tag on all of their players, and the Bucks only have one first-round pick to offer. That won’t be enough to get anyone, but it is still worth dreaming about.
This is the Bucks’ top offer for OG Anunoby. Even if it does not interest Toronto, Milwaukee would love to add the versatile 6’7 wing that is just entering his prime.
Anunoby may blossom further in Cream City as he gets more open looks playing off Giannis. Could he shoot 40 percent from 3-point range while averaging 17 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals per game? He is familiar with new Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin from their days in Toronto together, and good luck scoring with Giannis and OG lurking on the wing.
Can the Milwaukee Bucks flip a piece or two for more draft capital to sweeten this deal? The Toronto Raptors have been against trading OG Anunoby, but that could change if Pascal Siakam is dealt. Expect the Bucks to have interest, but completing a deal won’t be easy.
Can Milwaukee get younger and stay in contention? Stay tuned to find out.
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