The Milwaukee Bucks, like the rest of the league, are waiting for the Peyton Watson saga to reach its conclusion. However, unlike several other teams chasing the forward, the Bucks might embrace this entire thing dragging out. As noted by The Athletic's Sam Amick (subscription required), September 6 marks the first day Milwaukee can aggregate salaries from players acquired in their big summer trade.
Having that at their disposal could be useful as they try to nab Denver's disgruntled young forward.
Bucks are patiently waiting in Peyton Watson hunt
Any external suitor who wants Peyton Watson must entice the Nuggets in a sign-and-trade. So far, though, no one has offered a first-round pick for the forward, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. The likeliest package would consist of players who could help the Nuggets replace Watson. In that case, the Bucks could have a solid package after September 6.
Once Milwaukee can aggregate players acquired in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, perhaps they would consider putting Jaime Jaquez Jr. on the table. One could debate all day whether it would be worth it, given that Jaquez is a good player and seems poised for a big year with the Bucks, but he is undoubtedly the type of player Denver would covet in this scenario.
The Nuggets are facing plenty of financial troubles at the moment, but if they found a way to navigate that and acquire, say, Jaquez and AJ Green, that could be the best offer they get in exchange for their forward league-wide.
Other teams should be rushing to figure something out
It feels like every team but Milwaukee in the Watson chase is facing an uphill battle. The Cavaliers are a known suitor but cannot find anyone to take on the unwanted contracts of Dennis Schroder or Max Strus to free up money. The Clippers would love to get something done, but they are currently stuck in limbo as they await the NBA's impending verdict on the Kawhi Leonard scandal.
Both teams should be scrambling to get something done before September 6, as it could be their last gasp to get a deal across the finish line before Milwaukee comes with a haymaker. Whether they offer players, picks, or just simply take Watson with their sizeable trade exception, the Milwaukee Bucks are well-positioned to land the forward. They just need the Nuggets to make up their mind.
That day is coming very soon. It might be September 6.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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