The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly occupied with Peyton Watson, however they don’t seem to be ready to sacrifice a first-round choose flippantly as they proceed reshaping the franchise following the blockbuster trade that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat.
In keeping with Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Milwaukee is hesitant to incorporate a first-round choice in any bundle for the Denver Nuggets ahead. Nehm famous that the Bucks might face a tough balancing act as a result of their most tasty commerce items differ from what rival groups could also be keen to supply.
“Different groups occupied with Watson is perhaps giving up fringe rotation gamers with a first-rounder,” Nehm wrote. “The Bucks may want to incorporate actual rotation gamers to entice the Nuggets to contemplate their provide. Jaquez might be an attention-grabbing goal … however he would in the end should be prolonged as a result of subsequent season is the ultimate yr of his rookie contract.”
That dynamic displays Milwaukee’s new path. After buying and selling Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to Miami, normal supervisor Jon Horst pivoted towards a long-term rebuild centered on younger expertise and future flexibility moderately than speedy competition.
The Bucks acquired Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakucionis and a number of first-round picks within the Antetokounmpo deal earlier than including lottery alternatives Brayden Burries and Nate Ament within the 2026 NBA Draft. Preserving these property has change into a precedence because the franchise seems to be to construct a sustainable contender.
Watson matches the profile of the kind of participant Milwaukee is focusing on. The 23-year-old loved a breakout 2025-26 marketing campaign with Denver, averaging 14.6 factors, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.1 blocks in 54 video games whereas taking pictures 49.1% from the sector and an environment friendly 41.1% from three-point vary. His mixture of perimeter protection, athleticism and improved exterior taking pictures has considerably elevated his market worth.
Denver, nonetheless, faces its personal roster dilemma.
In keeping with veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein, the Nuggets may need to make another trade if they retain Watson. The restricted free agent is reportedly seeking a contract closer to the five-year, $125 million extension Christian Braun received earlier than the 2025-26 season, whereas Denver’s present provide is believed to be round 5 years and $70 million.
Stein mentioned Denver’s most well-liked resolution can be transferring Zeke Nnaji’s contract to create monetary flexibility, however undertaking that will require attaching precious draft compensation.
