The Milwaukee Bucks were reportedly close to landing a starting center at the NBA Trade Deadline. Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the team seriously considered trading Giannis Antetokounmpo for an offer centered around Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, and draft picks. That deal will likely still be on the table this summer, which would spell trouble for Myles Turner, Milwaukee's current starting big man.
Kel'el Ware would make Myles Turner obsolete
Ware is a starting center in this league. The Miami Heat haven't quite realized it, as the second-year big man has started in just 68 of his career 138 games. If given a clear runway to be the starting big man, Ware could take off and reach new heights. That opportunity might not be available in Miami, but it would certainly be there for the taking in Milwaukee post-Giannis.
With Ware in town, the Milwaukee Bucks would likely embrace a youth-driven shift, making it clear that 30-year-old Myles Turner is available. Yes, Turner hasn't had the best year with the Bucks, but there are still a handful of teams that would likely love to have him. One down year in a poorly coached system doesn't mean that Turner is suddenly a negative player.
In the right situation, Turner could get back to thriving like he did with the Indiana Pacers for so many years. Even in a down year, he averaged 1.6 blocks while shooting 38.5 percent from long distance, a clear sign that he can still be a strong interior defender and capable marksman. Teams looking for an answer at the center spot would be foolish not to at least inquire about Turner.
Turner still has three years left on the four-year, $109 million deal he signed last summer, so he won't be a cheap asset for anyone looking to acquire him. In return, the Milwaukee Bucks would love to get draft capital and expiring contracts, which could help kick off a youth-focused retooling in Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence. Is a late first out of the realm of possibility? That would be a dream.
Kel'el Ware could be Milwaukee's center of the future
Ware would be the blue-chip prospect the Milwaukee Bucks have made it clear they want in any deal that involves Giannis Antetokounmpo. The 15th overall pick less than two years ago, the big man has displayed impressive potential as a scorer, rebounder, marksman, and interior defender throughout a solid stint in Miami. Not even 22 yet, the center still has plenty of room to grow.
If the Milwaukee Bucks were to fully give Ware the keys to the frontcourt by trading Antetokounmpo and Turner, the big man could perhaps truly spread his wings and thrive. The Heat are only offering him 22.2 minutes per game. Like Ryan Rollins and Ousmane Dieng, Ware could benefit from a fresh start and a larger opportunity to fuel a breakout.
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