1 Trade pitch between Bucks and Nets following fascinating new rumor

The Milwaukee Bucks have finally started finding their stride lately, piecing together a 4-1 record over their last five games.

Despite this recent uptick in success, the team is almost certainly standing firm on their desire to find a trade or two to give this roster a jolt. Amid that pursuit, the Brooklyn Nets should be on the call-list, as they are reportedly willing to entertain trading anyone on the roster, per The Athletic's Sam Amick.

That said, let us look at one mock deal between the Bucks and Nets.

The Milwaukee Bucks' POV

Doc Rivers understanding that the Milwaukee Bucks needed to implement more youth, hustle and athleticism into his rotations has played a key part in this early-season turnaround. It would make plenty of sense for the team to keep stocking up on those attributes, and Ziaire Williams would help them do just that.

The 23-year-old stands tall at 6-foot-9, using his athleticism and length to be an irritant on defense. While he's not a traditional big man, Smith could be used in certain lineups, particularly smaller ones, to give the Bucks more athleticism than they'd get from Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis. He offers the ability to switch defensively more than those two do, as well.

As for the outgoing package, the Bucks would part with Pat Connaughton and a second-round pick. Connaughton has fallen out of Milwaukee's rotation entirely lately, so moving him, especially for an energetic young player, would make sense. The second-round selection would be a sweetener, giving the Nets yet another draft pick to add to their growing war chest.

The Brooklyn Nets' POV

The Nets should aim to stock up on as many picks as possible, and though a second-rounder seven years in the future might not be the most desirable, it is a pick. With Williams' contract set to expire after the season, the Nets could at least get something of value for him if they are unsure whether or not they should re-sign him long-term.

As for Pat Connaughton, he could serve as a nice veteran presence for this team if they do embrace a full-on rebuild. Although he's not the same player he was then, the veteran does offer championship experience from his NBA Finals win in 2021. Of course, the Nets could also flip him down the line in another trade.

Given that Connaughton has another year on his deal after this one - he is making $9.4 million this year and will make that same figure next season if he accepts his player option - it feels like it would take more than a second-round pick to convince Brooklyn. The Bucks' first-rounder would be off the table in this scenario, as that will likely be reserved for any potential big fish trade targets.

Still, the Bucks should try.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.