Despite how the media paints the situation, the Milwaukee Bucks haven't given up hope yet that they can find a way to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer. It all starts with a splash to upgrade the roster, and many wonder if Kawhi Leonard could be on Milwaukee's radar. Trading for him is the type of all-in splash that the Bucks have been known for over the last decade. Yet, there is so much risk.
Leonard has upside but would be a gamble for Bucks
Per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, NBA executives view Leonard and Antetokounmpo as "neck and neck" for the best player who could potentially become available this summer. Obviously, with that, there would be some intrigue in pairing them together. On paper, they would undoubtedly be a duo that puts fear into the hearts of their opponents due to their formidable two-way play.
Yet, that doesn't mean it's a perfect fit, and it starts with injuries. Over the last eight seasons, Leonard has played in 60 or more games just three times. About to turn 35, he isn't getting any younger. At this point, Leonard will have to be load-managed for the rest of his career due to his lengthy injury history. Given Giannis' recent injury history, that could make two players.
Though trading for stars has worked for teams in the past, it's rare to see it work in today's game. The NBA is all about depth. It would be difficult to adequately fill out the rest of the roster when Leonard is making over $50 million annually and Antetokounmpo hypothetically signs an extension worth $275 million. That's a lot of money for two players, leaving a lot of holes on the rest of the roster.
It would be a flashy move but one that wouldn't solve the Bucks' many issues. Does the team want to risk its future for a move so risk-filled? If it doesn't work, this splash could cripple their future more than it already is. The Clippers would love to get their hands on as many Milwaukee assets as they possibly can because of it.
Bucks need to prioritize the future and fleshing out roster
A Leonard trade, at the bare minimum, would likely cost any interested suitor multiple first-rounders. While the Milwaukee Bucks will have three to trade this summer, making a trade more plausible, one could argue that the team would be better off keeping them. Trading for Leonard would be more of a band-aid move to convince Giannis Antetokounmpo that the team is still all-in on contending.
Instead of star-hunting, the Milwaukee Bucks need to prioritize depth. Re-sign Ousmane Dieng and see if he can grow. Draft a difference-maker with the 10th overall pick. Hope Ryan Rollins can reach new heights after his breakout year. Find other low-cost hidden gems that haven't earned much of an opportunity and are itching for a change of scenery.
Trading for a star just isn't the magic fix it once was. The Bucks have a player development coach in Taylor Jenkins at the helm. They should use him.
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