The Milwaukee Bucks were among the top suitors for Peyton Watson, showing a desire to splurge on one of the best free agents left. Yet, it sounds like that was a one-time deal. Speaking on his Bleacher Report livestream, NBA insider Jake Fischer downplayed Milwaukee's interest in Jonathan Kuminga and Bennedict Mathurin, two possible pivots who are seemingly not of much interest to the Bucks.
"I don't think that Milwaukee is primarily factoring into those two guys' respective situations right now. I think the Bucks were interested in Peyton Watson, but I don't think they ever really wanted to get into the real bidding that it would've taken from a draft capital standpoint."
Bucks likely holding firm for now
If the Milwaukee Bucks wanted to make a splash, they absolutely could. Kuminga and Mathurin are two of the top free agents left after Watson joined the Cavaliers, and they have both been linked to the Bucks in recent weeks. Yet, despite their hefty trade exception, which could be used in a sign-and-trade, Milwaukee appears content. That's probably the right approach.
Adding Kuminga or Mathurin would have given the Milwaukee Bucks more talent, sure, but there is a reason both are still available this late into the summer. Whether it's due to contract desires, style of play, or whatever else, these two players are far from seamless fits wherever they may land. While the Bucks can afford to be patient with youth in this new era, it appears they are passing on these two.
Now, it's time for Milwaukee to figure out its lingering roster crunch, especially in the backcourt.
Watson made sense as Bucks' big fish
If the Milwaukee Bucks were to go all-in on any free agent this summer, it would have made sense if it were for Watson. The forward could've landed in Milwaukee as the team's new starting power forward from day one and fit in seamlessly with their new youth-driven timeline. He showed glimpses with the Nuggets last season and could have possibly taken it a step further in Milwaukee.
Yet, as Fischer mentioned, the Bucks likely weren't high on trading an unprotected first-round pick for the forward like Cleveland did. For a team that just traded its superstar, they have every reason to be more cautious with their picks than a Cavaliers team that may feel like Watson could be the missing piece in their current championship desires.
With the Watson situation finally resolved, it sounds like there will be no major changes coming to the Milwaukee Bucks roster. Let's see how this new group fits and go from there. When the next enticing young player becomes available, the Bucks will be in a prime position to pounce. For now, though, go enjoy the rest of your summer.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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