The Milwaukee Bucks were chasing Peyton Watson this offseason, but his trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers moves their attention elsewhere. New wing Jaime Jaquez Jr. now has a golden opportunity to nail down the starting small forward position, especially in a contract year.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has a chance to be Bucks' starting three
Last season's runner-up in the Sixth Man of the Year award was a sneaky good addition for the Bucks in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. Jaquez averaged 15.4 points, five rebounds, and 4.7 assists last season off the bench for the Heat, while shooting 50.7 percent from the field.
Missing out on Watson does leave the door wide open for the small forward position, with Jaquez the frontrunner to start there come opening night. He is projected for an extension around four years, $78 million, and can continue driving that value up if he is in the starting lineup.
There is potential for the Bucks to trade him, with their roster still at 17 standard contracts. If they were to do so, playing him at the four with Myles Turner or Kel'el Ware at the center position would be a fun combination. Having a stretch big to open up the floor will allow Jaquez to play his inverted style from the wing and, again, drive up his trade value.
Preseason doesn't begin until October, with training camp giving a glimpse of how Taylor Jenkins may see his roster when the season starts. It is a big year for Jaquez, and there is a chance for him to finally secure a starting lineup spot.
Bucks still in the market for other moves
Watson wasn't the only player the Bucks have been looking at in the sign-and-trade market, with Bennedict Mathurin and Jonathan Kuminga still on their radar. They may be intrigued by the two free agents if they can keep the price low.
Milwaukee is determining who to keep moving forward and who to move on now for future assets. Adding more NBA-ready bodies would certainly make the Bucks better this upcoming season, but it would take away from the young guys they are looking to invest in over the long term.
It is all speculation as to how the roster will function come the start of the season. Training camp and preseason will give fans glimpses, but there are so many new faces and a new head coach that it is difficult to evaluate right now.
For Jaquez, the starting small forward spot is right there waiting for him; a good training camp could see him secure the spot and also work in his favor in this contract year.
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