Now that Jalen Duren has signed his $200 million deal with the Detroit Pistons, the Milwaukee Bucks can move on from their rumored pursuit. There had been plenty of chatter in recent weeks that they were seriously interested in the big man, a move that would have seen them part with Myles Turner. Now, Turner doesn't have to worry about it and can focus on growing with the Bucks.
Turner is Milwaukee's starting center
Many wondered if the Milwaukee Bucks would consider moving Turner after the blockbuster deal that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami to recoup more assets. Yet, the veteran big man has remained in town, only threatened by the tantalizing idea of adding a 22-year-old All-Star in his place. With that now off the table, it would be surprising if the team moved off of him anytime soon.
The Bucks want to win this season. Without a pick in next year's draft, they couldn't tank or take a gap year even if they wanted. They aren't accepting defeat just because they lost Giannis. Whether or not they can back it up on the floor, everyone from top to bottom in this organization thinks this team has a chance to defy expectations. Doing so is far easier with Turner than trading him for future assets.
Bucks' stance could change in time
By showing an interest in Duren, the Milwaukee Bucks proved that they are at least open to the idea of moving on from Turner. The question is whether they would only be willing to move him for someone like Jalen Duren who is an immediate upgrade or if they could be enticed by future draft assets and/or young talent. For the time being, it's likely the former.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out over time. If the trade deadline nears and the Bucks are far from where they would like to be, perhaps they could move the big man to an interested team still in the contending picture. If their postseason odds are dim, it would make sense to get something for him, especially if Kel'el Ware shows enough potential to warrant starting full-time.
For the next couple of months, Turner can sleep easy knowing that he's almost certainly staying put. Eyeing a bounce-back effort after last year's shortcomings, Bucks fans should be eager to see what the veteran big man can do in this new system.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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