The Pistons are in a contract standoff with Jalen Duren that could force them to sign-and-trade him and search for a replacement center. This dilemma for Detroit can create a perfect opportunity for the Bucks to trade Myles Turner and get future assets in return, which should only help their rebuild. Turner is coming off a disappointing first season in Milwaukee but could be a perfect fit with the Pistons, who also have draft picks they could send to the Bucks.
Turner to the Pistons makes too much sense
Detroit is grappling with its unconventional identity this season as the Pistons inch closer to proper title contention. They found a ton of regular season success with their defense and interior domination, but their lack of shooting and creators did them in during the playoffs. Turner can help solve the shooting issue with his reliable three-point shot.
The Bucks should also welcome a trade sending out Turner because it’ll give them more opportunity to unleash a younger and more exciting center in Kel’el Ware. Ware is a new addition from the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade but already has the potential to add new elements to Milwaukee’s offense. Turner’s position on the depth chart is currently holding Ware back, but a trade could solve that instantly.
If the Bucks go into the season with Turner still on the team, they will likely feel pressure to play him a decent amount and raise his trade value. Milwaukee originally sacrificed a lot to sign Turner, including waiving Damian Lillard, so they don’t want to part ways with him for a meager return. However, the Pistons are in a position where trading a future first-round pick for a great fit like Turner makes sense.
Jalen Duren holds the keys to Turner’s futureÂ
This entire premise depends on the Bucks benefiting from a restricted free agency breakdown between Duren and the Pistons. The most likely result is still that Duren re-signs with the Pistons for a dollar amount less than his max possible contract. But there’s recently been some rumblings that he could look into playing out next season on a qualifying offer and entering unrestricted free agency in a year instead.
That decision from Duren would force the Pistons to trade him and look for a replacement instead. It’s a solid position for the Bucks either way, since they don’t have to rush towards a Turner trade but know there’s a growing possibility of finding a good one without doing any additional work themselves.Â
Although the Bucks roster seemed to lack clear direction after the Giannis trade, it’s actually looking like the increased optionality of contributing veterans and promising youngsters will pay dividends. Now Milwaukee has enough salary space to pursue worthy young talent but also enough good players to profit off desperate contenders.Â
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