Myles Turner has been disappointing in his first season for the Bucks, but trading him away won't necessarily solve the team's issues. In a recent mock trade, Bleacher Report suggests the Celtics may be interested in him for a return package including Anfernee Simons and draft picks. It sounds great on paper, but it would likely be a lose-lose situation for both teams.
The full details of the trade proposal are below:
This trade doesn't help the Bucks improve much
On face value, it's a solid return for Turner. The Bucks get back a win-now player in Simons, who is arguably as talented as Turner, along with additional assets. Simons has even flashed high-level scoring in previous seasons with the Trail Blazers.
Over the last three seasons (2022-25), Simons averaged over 20 points per game with a bad supporting cast in Portland. The Bucks may hold onto some hope that he can regain this form and boost their offense. If Simons could lead the offense and get the Bucks into the playoff picture, it may even be enough to keep superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo around for future seasons.
But in reality, this is an unlikely outcome. Simons has clearly struggled this season on a competitive team. He's averaging just 13 points per game for the Celtics and has failed to earn a starting spot. While Simons has always been a talented shooter (career 38 percent from three), his shoddy defense has hindered his overall impact.
Additionally, Simons' game directly clashes with the Bucks' best prospects: Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. Like them, Simons is at his best with the ball in his hands. He can hit tough shots and set up teammates, but he's neither a natural playmaker nor an ideal off-ball player.
At the same time, shipping out Turner would weaken the Bucks' already ailing center rotation. The temptation to trade him at this point is understandable, but the return would ideally be more future-facing. But if the goal is to win now, the answer is not forcing Jericho Sims into a starting role.
The other assets that the Bucks recoup in this trade don't have a ton of value either. Minott has shown flashes of being a solid rotation piece this season, but he isn't a game-changer by any means. As for the draft picks, they will also do little to help the Bucks win now.
The 2026 second-round pick is a decent asset, likely to be the Bucks' own. But the 2031 first-round pick is too far out to have a big impact on a team still building around a 31-year-old superstar. If the goal is to keep Giannis, this trade doesn't move the needle enough for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Final trade grade: C