The Milwaukee Bucks hold a 1-11 record in their first season without Giannis Antetokounmpo, prompting an active search for roster changes as the trade deadline approaches in February.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma are the two players the Bucks have tried to move since the offseason began. Siegel’s Nov. 13 publication highlights the Los Angeles Clippers and the Bucks as the pair of franchises anticipated to listen to proposals for nearly their entire roster as the cutoff approaches.
The two trade cases present distinct challenges for the front office. Kuzma’s $20.3 million expiring contract makes him the easier piece to move, while Turner’s deal runs longer and his slow start complicates potential deals.
Turner opened the season averaging 7.1 points on 34.6% shooting while Kel’el Ware waited behind him on the depth chart. Approaching the next month, virtually all offseason free-agency signatories will clear the restriction preventing them from being moved prior to the February cutoff.
Siegel reported that Milwaukee and the Clippers are the two teams expected to be open to hearing offers for virtually any of their players. Within that group, Turner and Kuzma are the two Milwaukee has actively tried to move, according to sources.
The more revealing line from the reporting involves the players Milwaukee is not shopping. Siegel reported the Bucks have not been receptive to calls about Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Ryan Rollins, implying other teams are asking.
Jaquez arrived in Milwaukee as part of the trade with Miami that sent away Antetokounmpo, making him one of the clearest pieces of the post-Antetokounmpo plan. He has averaged 15.2 points in the early going. Rollins contributed eight points and 10 rebounds in a loss to Orlando, and Siegel’s report noted neither player is viewed as untouchable yet, though the team has not been receptive so far.
The roster picture does not show a team in full retreat. Milwaukee is willing to listen on nearly anyone, according to Siegel, but its actual shopping list remains short.
The two players on that active list are veterans whose contracts and ages fit a rebuild less than the players Milwaukee is protecting. Turner’s financial figures and recent output present hurdles, whereas Kuzma still requires an interested partner to acquire him.
Kuzma carries a $20.3 million expiring contract that appeals to teams managing future cap space, whereas Turner’s deal runs longer and is paired with a slow start of 7.1 points on 34.6% shooting.
ClutchPoints reported that the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Clippers are the two teams expected to be open to hearing offers for virtually any of their players as the deadline approaches.
Almost every player who signed a contract in free agency becomes eligible to be traded in about a month, ahead of the February deadline.