Milwaukee Bucks and San Antonio Spurs could trade in the middle of the season.
Although Chris Paul signed a one-year, $11 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs this summer, the team’s long-term strategy calls for youngster Stephon Castle to lead the attack. Paul will open the season as the starting point guard for the Spurs since Castle needs more time to grow in the NBA, particularly in terms of his offensive game. On the other hand, expect the Spurs to shop Paul around on the trade market if Castle can establish himself as a reliable starter.
One team with plenty of young potential and an urgent need for a title may be forced into a trade. This squad would benefit from some backcourt support. The Milwaukee Bucks should be intrigued after missing out on the playoffs the previous season. Milwaukee’s salary cap position is risky. This season, Brook Lopez, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton will all bring in $20 million.
Milwaukee also lacks a significant amount of trade draft capital. They do, however, have rookie point guard AJ Johnson, who is 19 years old. He was viewed as a reach when he was chosen 23rd overall, but if he can shoot well, he might put some pressure on Blake Wesley, Tre Jones, and Malaki Branham in the backcourt.
The Spurs would transfer AJ Johnson and Pat Connaughton to Sidy Cissoko and Chris Paul in our fake trade. Sidy Cissoko has all the physical attributes to be a long-term player, but this season will tell. Many Spurs supporters have persuaded themselves of this. There’s not really a good reason to keep him around if he doesn’t get a spike in minutes. The Spurs receive an untapped rookie with no NBA experience in exchange for providing the Bucks some cap space and a legitimate leader next year.
Pat Connaughton has a player option that expires in 2025–2026. The Spurs have the option to waive him or flip him because he is a reliable bench player. The Spurs are not interested in acquiring him in the trade. Related: Is Tatum Worth Comparing to Duncan? Johnson has the potential to be a creative attacking weapon for both himself and others. He was a reliable midrange player who could find his niche in the NBL last season, and if he can make the occasional three-pointer, he will be a fantastic scorer from all over the court. But the Bucks’ championship window is still open, so they are not in a position to invest in their youthful potential.
