The Bucks have been disappointed with their return for Myles Turner's huge contract this season, but Bleacher Report offers a potential solution in a recent mock trade. In a shocking twist, B/R's Greg Swartz proposes an ideal offseason trade for the Clippers that would really benefit the Bucks:
Signing Turner to his current contract has been a mistake for the Bucks. He's making $25 million this season, and that number will only keep going up through his age 32 season, when he will have a player option in three years. For all that money, Turner is giving the Bucks just 12 points and five rebounds per game.
The Bucks would love to get off Myles Turner's contract
The Clippers are now reliant on a former Buck in Brook Lopez as the team's starting center after trading away Ivica Zubac. Lopez has clearly lost a step at age 37, which could put them in the market this summer for an upgrade. If the Bucks can pull off this trade in exchange for Turner, it would be a home run.
This trade proposal looks especially good for the Bucks if they are keen to start their rebuild. Niederhäuser is a rookie center bursting with potential on a rapid track of improvement. He suffered a season-ending injury on March 4, but was off to a great start this month before that. In three March games, he averaged eight points, six rebounds, and over two blocks per game in just 17 minutes per game.
Niederhäuser has the potential to bring a similar defensive impact as Turner next season. Keep in mind that Turner is averaging 1.5 blocks per game this season while playing 27 minutes per game.
Niederhäuser has flashed his potential as a rim protector already, but he also has surprisingly quick feet for a 7-footer. And Niederhäuser has an interesting blend of offensive skills, both as a dangerous lob threat and occasional ball-handler.
This trade would have other benefits for the Bucks
Swapping Turner for Niederhäuser would not only give the Bucks a much cheaper center option but also clear opportunities for other young talents. Jericho Sims is another center who could benefit from the minutes opened up by this trade, allowing the Bucks to offer him more minutes.
The Bucks are also lacking draft capital in the coming years. If they decide to move into a full rebuild, getting a 2031 first-round pick back in this exchange would help that effort. And even if they don't rebuild, it's another asset that they can use to upgrade elsewhere.
The unfortunate truth is that the Bucks have severely overpaid for Myles Turner. Any move that can give them positive value in return for his contract will be a huge win.