For several years, the Los Angeles Lakers flirted with the idea of trading for Myles Turner, but they never swung for the fences. Instead, the Milwaukee Bucks stepped up and made the move to pry Turner away from the Indiana Pacers this summer. Now, with rumors swirling that the Lakers have their eye on Andrew Wiggins to pair a legitimate wing defender with Luka Doncic, there's a chance the Bucks could play spoiler once again.
Bucks could steal Wiggins away from the Lakers, just like Turner
It's still somewhat shocking that Myles Turner never ended up in Los Angeles. For a few years, it felt like a monthly tradition that a new rumor linking him to the Lakers would come out. It's even more stunning that the Milwaukee Bucks were the team to get him. Will the same happen with Wiggins? There's a chance history could repeat itself.
The Milwaukee Bucks have been linked to Wiggins several times over the years. Recently, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that they tried trading for the forward using Pat Connaughton's expiring deal in the early stages of summer. Of course, that was before they made the move for Turner, which then required them to dump Connaughton's contract.
Even with Connaughton gone, the Milwaukee Bucks still have a route to Andrew Wiggins, and it starts with Kyle Kuzma. Financially, the forward could be the centerpiece in a Wiggins package, with further draft capital needed to even get the Miami Heat on the phone. If the Lakers are once again unwilling to give up what it takes to get their ideal target, the Bucks' aggressiveness could lead to a move.
Wiggins would be a seamless fit with this Milwaukee squad. He's as versatile as they come on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he can switch between countless positions and play different schemes. Offensively, the forward has the chops to play both on and off the ball, things Milwaukee needs next to Giannis Antetokounmpo this coming NBA season.
With training camp around the corner, it feels more likely than not that a Wiggins deal will happen closer to the NBA Trade Deadline. Plenty of teams, Milwaukee and Los Angeles included, could be desperate for a proven wing defender and might be willing to give up a lot to get him if they feel as if they are a piece away from NBA glory.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.