Despite a workforce still very qualitative and a good place among the favorites for the title, the Bucks have recently been mentioned in the Kevin Durant file. A rather crazy scenario had even been imagined… before Durantula’s decision to stay in Brooklyn shattered the plans in Wisconsin. Shame ?
In an Eastern Conference where the competition seems less tough than in the West, some top franchises hope to get ahead of their rivals this summer. This obviously requires XXL recruitment. It is therefore not surprising that several of them have positioned themselves on Kevin Durant those last weeks. And not just the Celtics, Hawks, Heat, Raptors or Sixers.
The trade that would send Durant to the Bucks with Giannis
In his last InsidePassShams Charania disclosed that the Bucks also reportedly inquired about Brooklyn’s claims against Durant. An approach carried out several weeks ago, but which was enough to ignite the American press. ClutchPoints only waited a few hours following this revelation to set up a trade to send the Nets star to Milwaukee:
A concern, and not the least: at the end of Tuesday afternoon, the Nets announced to everyone’s surprise that KD would ultimately stay in Brooklyn next season ! Transfer rumors therefore all fall apart, and the Bucks, like the other 29 teams in the league, can get dressed. For fun, and for this so enticing “what if”, let’s analyze this trade proposal which could come back on the agenda in the event of a new reversal of Durant’s jacket…
First of all, impossible for the Bucks not to give Khris Middleton and his big salary in this deal. The faithful lieutenant of Giannis Antetokounmpo is undoubtedly the best asset they have, except perhaps Jrue Holiday, who nevertheless has the disadvantage of evolving in the same position as Kyrie Irving. His place in the Brooklyn backcourt, also occupied by Seth Curry, therefore seems less obvious.
For the rest, Milwaukee could include in this package a profile such as that of Grayson Allen, young and very skilled from afar (40.9% from 3 points last season, editor’s note). The addition of a veteran like George Hill, also a formidable shooter (38.0% in career) would also be possible. But the inevitable condition for reaching an agreement obviously remains the picks sent.
Unfortunately for the Bucks, most of their first-round draft picks have already been traded to New Orleans when they trade Jrue Holiday. The two having been the subject of a “swap” with the Pels could therefore be sent in their offer, as well as one of the few still in their possession (2028 or 2029). Add to that two second-round picks, and the Nets could find their account there!
Kevin Durant remains in Brooklyn, nipping in the bud any plans the Bucks could have put in place to mount a madcap duo with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Be careful though: KD is still just as unpredictable, he has just proven it, and there is no doubt that Milwaukee will be on the lookout in the event of a new twist…