The Athletic's Sam Amick and Nick Friedell (subscription required) reported that the Milwaukee Bucks had no interest in trading for Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis. We now know why. NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required) reports that the Warriors want draft capital or some other incentive to take on Turner's contract. The Bucks were right to shut them down if that's the case.
Bucks shouldn't be the one attaching picks
Sure, Turner might not have a long-term future in Milwaukee, but the Bucks shouldn't be looking to dump him just to do it. He still has value. As he's shown early this season, the big man is still a great defender right at the hoop. Offensively, he's off to a sluggish start, but once he comes around, his 3-point shot is right up there with the best big men in the NBA.
A player like that should net the Milwaukee Bucks something of value if they look to move him. They should not be the ones forced to attach capital to move him, even if he is on the books for the next several years. The appeal with Porzingis is that he is essentially on an expiring contract, but getting off Turner's deal to take him in isn't worth the assets it would take.
Warriors face the pressure here, not the Bucks
Golden State should be desperate to move Porzingis. As the current dynasty nears its end, Stephen Curry is playing out of his mind. Rather than letting his last few years end on a sour note, they should be doing everything they can to get him help while he's still playing. Despite his slow start, Turner is a clear-cut win-now player who could get them closer to contention.
He certainly beats a player who might never play again in Porzingis.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks can remain as patient as they'd like. They are already projected to have a significant amount of cap space next summer, even with Turner on the payroll. Plus, he's been a great veteran for the youngsters and can be useful in helping them find their stride. It's not like he's derailing their success. Even with the slump, he's fine.
The lone concern with keeping Turner is that he might be holding Kel'el Ware back from taking over at the starting center spot, putting his development on hold. Yet, that's exactly why the Bucks should try to raise Turner's value and try to get something valuable for him at the NBA Trade Deadline to collect more assets and open things up for Ware.
It's a better strategy then attaching valuable assets to Turner.
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