06-07-2025, 09:19 AM
(06-06-2025, 01:47 PM)omahen Wrote: They are not a 2nd apron team and neither is NY. Milwaukee is actually significantly (40 mil) under the second apron. If the deal is made in July
In any case, a deal between Milwaukee and NY would be significantly complicated.
Milwaukee doesn't control their picks, so tanking makes little sense. But they can't be competitive, as Lillard is out, Lopez will most likely leave (getting too old anyway), Portis has a player option and can also leave. Kuzma is basically their best player for next season. Towns is a lesser player than Giannis. Brunson as good as he is, is also worse. I am affraid tanking is the only realistic option for Milwaukee. But they need their picks for that.
Their 2026 pick is controlled by Pels (pick swap). 2027 stays in Milwaukee only, if both their and Pels pick and in top4. Otherwise it goes either to Pels or Atlanta. One option Milwaukee has is to take a gap year in 2026, if they can get the pick swap with Pels back. Tank for a top pick and then try to become competitive again.
NY on the other hand, is facing a short rotation anyway. If they trade two rotation players for Giannis, they will have a hard time replacing one guy. So I think there must be a lot of moving pieces, like getting young players for Milwaukkee, rotation players for NY and draft assets. NY can't trade any of their FRP. I think KAT needs to be involved, I can't see them compete without Brunson and Bridges.
So perhaps something like this:
KAT to Pels for Murphy and McCollum (Pels might see KAT as a good fit next to Zion, if they really intend to keep him) and draft assets
Bridges to (for example) to Detroit for Ivey and Thompson. Some other minor salaries would need to be included to make the math work.
Mil: Ivey, Thompson, McCullom, picks (including their swap with Pels)
NY: Giannis, Murray
Det: Bridges
Looks extremely underwhelming for Giannis, no matter what draft capital is included.
If I were Detroit, I wouldn't give up Ivey and Thompson for Bridges. Bridges is a good player but overrated, IMO. Thompson may not be as good as his twin yet, but he will get there. Ivey was having a career season before he broke his leg. They should be part of their improving young core moving forward.