The Bucks have long been interested in Jonathan Kuminga and finally have their perfect chance to acquire him after he entered free agency. The timing couldn't be better for Milwaukee, who has a straightforward path to adding him via trade exception acquired in their Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. This pathway could wind up being best for all parties, as it allows Kuminga to sign a bigger deal with the Bucks and even offers the Hawks some minor compensation rather than losing him for nothing.
The Bucks' Kuminga dream is staring them in the face
Ironically, Kuminga's career arc has followed the path of many Milwaukee draft busts in recent years because he didn't get sufficient opportunity to prove himself with the Warriors. But he's been coveted by the Bucks for a while due to his incredible athleticism and tough shot-making. And for his part, Kuminga did flash that potential more effectively when he was traded from Golden State, but still struggled with consistency.
The Bucks might not have a guaranteed starting spot for him, depending on the growth of other young Bucks. But it's still worth taking a shot on a 23-year-old who has frequently been miscast throughout his career and could benefit from a change of scenery. Adding Kuminga would be a smart infusion of top-end potential for the Bucks front office.
Kuminga finished last season averaging 12 points per game on 48% shooting from the field and 35% from three with the Hawks after his trade. Those numbers don't stand out at all, but he was fantastic in his handful of games with double-digit scoring. He showed more defensive intensity and aggression attacking the basket in Atlanta than he ever did in Golden State, which gives the Bucks hope that they can unlock his best version.
Milwaukee can add Kuminga for cheap
The Bucks could theoretically pay Kuminga up to $25.5 million in their trade exception if they acquire him via sign-and-trade, but he should be obtainable at a much lower price tag. After all, the Hawks just rejected their $24.3 million team option on him. If the Bucks can sign him to a cheaper deal, it should give them sustained flexibility to pursue other trade targets and absorb assets while facilitating other deals.
In return, the Bucks can send the Hawks any minor asset - such as a second-round pick or a player that doesn't fit their rebuild - in return for Kuminga and Atlanta should be pleased. When the alternative is losing him for nothing, the Hawks make out better with just about anything in return. Even the players who don't fit the Bucks' timeline anymore could do well with the Hawks, who are looking to contend much sooner.
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