The Milwaukee Bucks are chasing restricted free agent Peyton Watson, but if they want to land him, they might have to pay a steep toll. Per NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required), Denver is asking for two first-round picks to engage in a Watson sign-and-trade. While the forward would be a nice addition to this young core, the Bucks have to ask themselves if that is worth it.
Watson is good, but two firsts is steep
On paper, Watson makes all the sense in the world for the Milwaukee Bucks. With the pivot to youth following the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, the Bucks would be justified in adding a versatile two-way forward—a position they are thin at—who is still just 23 years old after four NBA seasons. With an increased role, he could truly blossom into something special.
The problem is the picks. If Denver wanted one first-rounder, that would be far more reasonable. The Bucks would likely still attempt to acquire him without surrendering one, but two feels like Denver wants to play hardball, hoping Watson caves and returns to them on the qualifying offer. Even with his potential, no one would likely cough up two firsts for Watson.
Bucks should keep their firsts close
Milwaukee isn't in a position to throw away firsts like they are nothing. After spending years trading their picks for roster upgrades, the team has finally replenished their stash with their own selections and several from Miami. With Giannis gone, Milwaukee isn't in title-or-bust mode every single season, where there is intense pressure to move their draft picks. They can actually build this team.
It would be foolish to immediately start shedding them unless they are getting clear-cut difference-makers in return.
How much Milwaukee values Watson will factor into their decision-making. They'd love to have him on the payroll, but not if they have to cough up $100 million plus an assortment of draft capital. They might be better off rapidly developing players like Nate Ament and Bogoljub Markovic at that rate. Yet, the Nuggets hypothetically lowering their ask to one first-rounder should make the Bucks think.
This situation still has a lot of moving parts. If the Milwaukee Bucks want Watson, they not only must offer him a deal that he likes, but they also have to send Denver desirable assets to satisfy them as a sign-and-trade partner. It's complicated. No matter how they go about it, the Bucks should attempt to avoid giving out valuable first-round draft selections to the Nuggets.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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