The Milwaukee Bucks are expected to make some roster tweaks within the next couple days, and one could involve bringing in a former first round pick. Per insider Jake Fischer (subscription required), the Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers have discussed a deal centered around Jericho Sims, Dalton Knecht, and draft capital. Depending on how much capital is being discussed, this could be a win-win.
Why the Bucks might do it
Milwaukee shouldn't look to move Sims just to move him. He's quite valuable, arguably one of the best third-string centers in the NBA. However, if someone comes to the table with an offer involving quality draft capital and a potential-filled young player, it's worth considering, especially as Fischer notes that the Bucks would like to keep Pete Nance, and moving Sims could give him a bigger role.
Unless there are other pieces involved here, this particular deal wouldn't do much to address the Milwaukee Bucks' lingering backcourt logjam—though Fischer does mention Kevin Porter Jr. and Caris LeVert are on the table in trade talks. While the guard spots are full, Knecht could be a solid option to join Milwaukee's forward rotation, given how much of a weak spot that currently is.
The 17th overall pick just a few years ago, it feels like Knecht has gotten the short end of the stick in Los Angeles and needs a fresh start. The Bucks could offer him that, and with an excellent coach in Taylor Jenkins, who is known for his player development, Knecht would be set up nicely to find his footing and finally blossom. If Milwaukee also gets picks, this deal gets all the better.
Why the Lakers might do it
Luka Doncic loves his lob threats. For years, the key to keeping the offense humming around him has involved putting high-flying big men around him to always give him that threat at the rim. While they are solid, Walker Kessler and Kevon Looney don't exactly fit that archetype. Sims, on the other hand, could be perfect in that regard.
Swapping Knecht for Sims would be an easy decision for the Lakers. Knecht just never got off the ground in LA, and his best basketball will likely come elsewhere. Even if they need to part with some second round capital to get it over the finish line, it would be a worthy move to give them a different look at the center position when Kessler and Looney are sitting.
Fischer mentions that there is pessimism surrounding a deal getting done, but if the right pieces are on the table, it does make some sense for both parties involved.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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