Bucks Weigh Trade Packages for Jerami Grant as Central Division Rumor Mill Heats Up
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The Milwaukee Bucks are actively exploring mid-season deals to strengthen the roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner, league sources told ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel on December 23.
According to executives who attended the G League Winter Showcase, Portland forward Jerami Grant was the name most often linked to Milwaukee. Some insiders speculated the Bucks could try to acquire both Grant and center Robert Williams from the Trail Blazers in a package built around Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis and an additional contract.
Siegel also reported that Milwaukee has discussed Andrew Wiggins of the Heat and Corey Kispert of the Wizards. Kispert, a career 40.3 percent three-point shooter this season, is averaging a career-low 19.9 minutes but remains on the Bucks’ radar as a floor-spacing option.
Quiet Approach in Cleveland
While multiple front-office sources downplayed the possibility of a major shake-up in Cleveland, the Cavaliers could still move complementary pieces before the deadline. Forwards De’Andre Hunter and Dean Wade were identified as potential trade candidates. The Rockets had shown interest in Wade prior to signing Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency last summer.
Coby White Drawing Wide Interest
At least six clubs have checked on Bulls guard Coby White, with scouts pointing to the Magic, Hawks and Cavaliers as possible suitors. Orlando is believed to be willing to move Jonathan Isaac plus second-round picks to add scoring, though Chicago hopes to secure at least one unprotected first-round pick. White is headed for unrestricted free agency and is considered unlikely to sign an extension before season’s end.
Spotlight on Jalen Duren’s Next Deal
Rival teams are monitoring how much Pistons center Jalen Duren could command in restricted free agency. One assistant general manager told The Stein Line that Detroit is positioned to contend over the next five years and predicted Duren could land more than $40 million annually. A five-year maximum-salary contract for a fifth-year player projects to exceed $48 million per season.
Source: Hoops Rumors