The Milwaukee Bucks need to reach out to the Golden State Warriors regarding an intriguing trade rumor that has surfaced.
As the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline approaches in just over a month, speculations are emerging, and an intriguing rumor involves the Milwaukee Bucks and the Golden State Warriors.
According to a report by The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami (Subscription required), despite Andrew Wiggins recently committing to a new contract with the Golden State Warriors, this may not be a definitive impediment if the Bucks express interest in exploring a trade for him. While this doesn’t imply Wiggins is openly available, it suggests a possibility, contingent on the right offer. The Bucks should initiate contact to gauge the potential.
The Milwaukee Bucks are currently grappling with defensive challenges, a persistent issue over the years. Lack of a reliable wing defender has been a glaring gap, evident in struggles against players like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jimmy Butler in recent playoff runs. Acquiring Wiggins could be a solution to this long-standing issue.
Standing at 6-foot-7, Wiggins brings versatility, showcased notably in the 2022 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. His defense limited the trio of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White to a 32.1 percent field goal shooting, a remarkable accomplishment.
Beyond his defensive prowess, Wiggins contributes significantly on offense. Over the past three years, he has averaged 17.7 points with a shooting accuracy of 47.2 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from beyond the arc. This addition could elevate the Bucks’ offensive capabilities.
Acknowledging Wiggins’ current season slump, especially on the offensive end, it’s crucial to recognize his enduring value for the Bucks. His defensive skills remain crucial, addressing a pressing need for the team.
Wiggins is currently in the initial year of a four-year, $109 million deal with the Golden State Warriors, making him a higher-priced target for the Bucks with a $24 million salary this season. To facilitate a trade, the Bucks might need to consider including players like Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton, along with a minimum salary player (MarJon Beauchamp, A.J. Green, Chris Livingston, Robin Lopez, etc.).
Furthermore, it’s likely that the Bucks would need to part with some of their remaining draft assets. The debate arises whether such a deal would be worthwhile, considering Wiggins’ slump this season. However, it remains uncertain if the Warriors would entertain such a trade, even with Wiggins’ current struggles. The Bucks can only explore the possibility and monitor Wiggins as one of the targets on their radar.
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