As the Peyton Watson saga continues, the Bucks appear to be the frontrunners to acquire the wing. As pointed out by insider Jake Fischer (subscription required), the Bucks have a massive trade exception from the Giannis Antetokounmpo deal that can help address Denver's financial issues while also sending young talent the other way in any sign-and-trade for Watson.
Bucks trade exception could be key to them winning sweepstakes
Milwaukee and Denver are in opposite situations, both financially and in terms of their outlook for the season. Watson would be huge for the Nuggets if he sticks around, but keeping him is both a financial and a team-building challenge. Keeping him on his qualifying offer would still push them into the second apron, which has proven to be an issue for teams recently and comes with a hefty price tag.
Having a trade exception of $25.5 million means the Bucks can offer Watson a multi-year deal at a higher price than the Nuggets while giving him a bigger role that Denver cannot offer right now. It also means the Bucks can take on any salaries the Nuggets want to shed in order to open up their own financial flexibility as they look to re-tool their roster.
As Fischer says, it depends on how far the Bucks are willing to go. They don't have an abundance of picks to give up, but they also need to crunch the roster down to the 15 standard contracts. Taking on Christian Braun or Zeke Nnaji to aid the Nuggets' finances would mean even more moves would need to be made.
Which of the younger Bucks would the Nuggets target if they make room financially, and which would the Bucks be willing to part with for Watson? Those are some questions at hand.
Peyton Watson would add to the Bucks' exciting young core
A summer of change has seen plenty of young and exciting talent head to Milwaukee. Watson would only add to that as the team is looking to find its star to lead it into a new era.
A starting five of Ryan Rollins, Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Watson, and Myles Turner would be solid and still have room to grow. Brayden Burries and Nate Ament would provide a spark off the bench, with Ousmane Dieng offering plenty of versatility as well.
One area the Bucks are clearly targeting is the wing, with their interest in Watson and Jonathan Kuminga. It is still their weakest area, as the frontcourt is solid with options, and the backcourt is overflowing right now. The forward positions could use another body, and Watson provides an offensive spark but also can defend multiple positions in an Eastern Conference now littered with even more elite wings.
Milwaukee is seen as a front-runner in the Peyton Watson chase. The Nuggets have a rumored high asking price, and even though the Bucks are unlikely to offer multiple first-round picks, they can take on salaries to aid Denver's financial difficulties while bringing in a young star. The Bucks definitely aren't done with moves just yet.
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