The Milwaukee Bucks just utilized their 10th overall draft selection on Brayden Burries and acquired Kasparas Jakucionis in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. These are two young guards who need to be in the team's plans if they want to start this next era off right. However, both are facing obstacles right now due to Milwaukee's abundance of guards, only reinforced by re-signing Gary Trent Jr.
Bucks suddenly have a guard problem on their hands
Milwaukee already had too many guards on the payroll, but that didn't stop them from handing out a nice paycheck to another. The team has reportedly re-signed Gary Trent Jr. to a four-year deal worth $64 million. That's not the type of paycheck a team hands a player who is coming back to be a depth piece. They envision him being a key player for this franchise, in all likelihood.
Now, in addition to Ryan Rollins, Kevin Porter Jr., Tyler Herro, AJ Green, and Caris LeVert, Burries and Jakucionis also have to find time in the rotation with Trent present. For a rookie and a sophomore just looking to get their feet wet, that might be a tall order. The Bucks cannot afford to let their abundance of depth hinder the development of their most potential-filled prospects.
The likeliest outcome here is a trade. Milwaukee's roster is over the limit as is, so someone will likely be getting the boot sometime regardless. Moving a guard would knock out two birds with one stone.
Bucks need their potential-filled players on the floor
Yes, it appears the Milwaukee Bucks want to remain competitive next season, but that does not mean they can disregard their young players in favor of the more experienced ones. Doc Rivers is no longer calling the shots. Milwaukee now has one of the best player development coaches in the business in Taylor Jenkins, and they need to put his talent to good use.
Burries' potential has been on display throughout his Summer League stint, with the guard looking like he will be a two-way threat immediately. Jakucionis has already flexed his potential as a passer and perimeter shooter at the NBA level, but he still has room to grow. Both of these players are 20 years old and could dictate how the next decade of Milwaukee Bucks basketball goes.
Despite handing Trent this hefty new deal, Burries and Jakucionis need to firmly be in the rotation. The moment Trent starts limiting their minutes, there will be an uproar. That's why the logjam in the backcourt is growing all the more worrisome quickly.
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