Many assumed the Milwaukee Bucks would pivot to a rebuild if they trade Giannis Antetokounmpo, but that doesn't appear to be the case. Speaking on ESPN's Get Up, insider Shams Charania stated that if the Bucks acquire Jaylen Brown, he will be staying put. There will be no trade to send him to a different team. That signals a desire to contend even without Giannis. That's bold.
Bucks would love to keep competing
The rumored offers from Miami and Boston could not be more different. Miami can offer a package of young players and draft picks. Those in the "Bucks should rebuild camp" would think that deal is their best bet. Meanwhile, Boston offering Brown, Hugo González, and limited draft picks gives Milwaukee a chance to at least try to compete next season. It's surprising that they are considering option two.
If Milwaukee goes through with this deal, they will essentially ask Brown to carry them as the top option on this team. Of course, they can make other moves—more on that in a minute—but how often has a team traded its superstar and actually been competitive immediately after? Never? It would be a bold strategy after losing one of the best players in the world.
Celtics' deal would open door for more moves
One would expect more win-now moves if the Milwaukee Bucks deal Giannis to Boston. A team with Brown, González, Ryan Rollins, whoever the team selects 10th overall, and Myles Turner is a solid starting point, especially with Taylor Jenkins at the helm, but further moves would be needed if this group truly wants to make a push for the NBA Playoffs.
With their own draft capital and whatever they get from Boston, perhaps the Bucks would turn to the trade market for more win-now pieces. Ja Morant's name is still in trade rumors. Maybe Milwaukee is interested in him again if this goes through. Trey Murphy III has been in the rumor mill. He would be a perfect pairing with Brown on the wing.
Having Brown as the lead option is very different from having Antetokounmpo, but if the Bucks swap the two, it appears they will operate normally in their pursuit to contend. Sure, going after Brown and trying to contend could be a short-sighted move, but perhaps the Bucks see more value in that than banking on a bunch of young players and unknown draft capital.
Either move would be bold, but one could argue that trying to be competitive after trading a player of Giannis' caliber would be the riskier route.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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