With his strong play to start the season, Jaime Jaquez Jr has emerged as arguably the most tradable asset on the Bucks. A perfect trade partner has also opened up in the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are in need of a player like Jaquez after recent injuries and have a treasure trove of picks to send Milwaukee's way if they want Jaquez. The idea was first floated by Sam Vecenie of the Game Theory Podcast, and it's a good one for many reasons.
Jaquez's financial situation also makes him a desirable trade target, since he's still on his rookie contract making just $5.9 million this season. Next summer, he could be a restricted free agent unless he is extended this season; that's a position that's favorable to whatever team employs him. Compared to other tradable Bucks, Jaquez will be a lot easier for another team to fit into their salary sheet.
Jaquez to the Thunder makes a lot of sense
After a career year last season with the Heat, Jaquez has kept his momentum riding high for the Bucks this season. So far, he's averaging 18 points and 7 rebounds per game while shooting 53% from the field and 42% from three - all of those numbers are career highs.
Jaquez has grown tremendously as a creator since entering the league and is now showing he can maintain that strength as a starter. Last season, he finished second in 6th Man of the Year voting by dominating second units with his drives. His continued excellence with the same play style against starters should be a promising sign for a contender needing more creators, like the Thunder.
Oklahoma City recently lost two of its top perimeter creators to injury in Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace. Both will likely be out for most or all of this season, but the Thunder are still in a position to compete for a title with the right trades. A move for Jaquez, with his extremely cheap contract this season, would be a perfect example.
OKC has plenty of picks to send the Bucks' way
Jaquez is in an awkward spot for the Bucks, where he raises their short-term floor without being good enough to change the team's trajectory or young enough to firmly be part of the rebuild. His fit with the Thunder's timeline makes a lot more sense and gives him a chance to put his skills to the test in a proper competitive environment.
In the meantime, the Bucks wouldn't mind receiving some of the Thunder's noteworthy draft assets in return. OKC has 10 first-round picks and 13 second-round picks available for trade through 2033. The Bucks should be overjoyed to receive a late first-rounder or a couple seconds for Jaquez, and the trade would also be worthwhile for the Thunder if it significantly improves their title odds this season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google