While they thought about it, the Milwaukee Bucks ultimately decided against trading Jaylen Brown and sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. Why? Well, largely because they just had one unhappy star in Giannis and didn't want another in Brown. Imagine trading the face of the franchise and then the player who replaces him doesn't want to be there either.
That is what the Milwaukee Bucks were reportedly fearful of happening. Per The Athletic's Sam Amick and Eric Nehm (subscription required), the Bucks were "intrigued" by the idea of accepting Boston's Brown-centered package after the best season of his career, but recent murmurs that he might not want to be in Milwaukee turned them off. Rightfully so.
Bucks didn't need another headache
If the Bucks had landed Brown, they would have immediately been on the clock. Even if Brown said that the rumor about him not wanting to be in Milwaukee was nonsense, all of the talking heads would have speculated about his future, just like they did with Giannis over the last seven or so seasons. Milwaukee didn't want another speculation circus after what they just went through with Giannis.
Every single time the Milwaukee Bucks went on a losing streak, even if minor, the trade chatter would have surfaced once again. "Oh, Jaylen Brown is unhappy! Could he be on his way out?" The Bucks are all good on that. Thanks. While they gave it some thought, many are justified in thinking that the team made the right move in taking the Heat's package.
Heat package fits their timeline better
The Bucks landed an assortment of young talent from the Heat. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tyler Herro are on expiring contracts, while Kel'el Ware and Kasparas Jakučionis are under team control for the next several years. That is all a lot more manageable than a star making high-end money who could grow impatient in a hurry.
If the Bucks keep Herro—which is currently being discussed behind the scenes—they could very well hand him an extension to nip all of this in the bud right now and make it clear that they want him long-term. The same goes for Jaquez. They can handle Ware and Jakučionis when the time comes. They will not have to worry about any trade demands or lingering sagas here.
The Milwaukee Bucks can build the team how they want it now and not have to worry about being on the clock at every single waking moment. Even then, some would have preferred the Brown package, but only time will tell how all of this turns out.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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