The Milwaukee Bucks are known to have interest in 2022 NBA Champion Jonathan Kuminga, but they are not alone. NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer (subscription required) report that the Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Atlanta Hawks all have interest in him. If the Bucks fail to land their target, they could pivot to another champion in Jeremy Sochan.
Bucks could use a forward, and Sochan fits
Milwaukee's depth chart paints a clear picture. The guard and center spots are loaded, while either of the forward spots could use another body or two. That's why it makes sense that they are looking at a versatile piece like Kuminga. Yet, he's in high demand. Sochan is someone who would be much more attainable on the market and help fill out that forward depth.
While he didn't do much this season, having started the season out of favor in San Antonio before he spent the Knicks' title run primarily spectating, Sochan has shown glimpses of being a quality player. During his first three NBA seasons with the Spurs, the forward averaged 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. A player like that, who just turned 23, is worth exploring.
On his best days, Sochan is an incredibly versatile defender who can guard one-through-five while also pulling down rebounds with the best of them. His offense could use some polishing, as it has always been his biggest drawback, but this is a young player who still has plenty of time to work out his flaws at this level.
Bucks need to add young talent
With the Milwaukee Bucks pivoting to a youth-focused movement without Giannis Antetokounmpo, they should aim to stack as much young talent as they can. Unlike when they were in do-or-die mode every single season, they can now afford to take more risks with their moves and bank on potential over immediate results in some cases. This would be one of them.
A former ninth overall pick is sitting at home right now, just waiting for a phone call. If the Bucks could get him on a minimum deal, this feels like an obvious sell. Bring the forward in and see what he brings to the table. Maybe he works out and becomes a standard contributor. Maybe he doesn't and gets the boot in a few months. Either way, it's a low-risk, high-reward scenario for the Milwaukee Bucks.
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