The Milwaukee Bucks’ bold decision to stretch-and-waive nine-time All-Star point guard Damian Lillard’s $112.6 million contract and clear up (some) cap space for former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner is, so far, its primary big roster change of the summer.
Free agent signing Gary Harris and rookie power forward/center Bogoljub Markovic are the other two new additions, but otherwise the Bucks have been mostly re-signing their own free agents — aside from Brook Lopez, who departed for the L.A. Clippers.
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Despite the presence of nine-time All-NBA superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, this current Bucks lineup doesn’t quite seem good enough to win the East. More moves may need to be made.
And per Anthony Slater of The Athletic, they still could be.
Young Golden State Warriors power forward Jonathan Kuminga, a restricted free agent, could possibly be had in a sign-and-trade — and the Bucks are said to have their eyes on his services.
“The Golden State Warriors, according to league sources, have been searching for a promising young player plus a first-round pick in return for Kuminga, should they ultimately choose to part with him in a sign-and-trade scenario. They extended the $7.9 million qualifying offer to the 22-year-old wing and maintain the ability to match any contract he signs.”
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The Bucks will face some stiff competition if they want Kuminga. Slater goes on to report that the Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls are all interested in the former All-Star’s services.
In 47 healthy bouts in 2024-25, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points on a .453/.305/.668 slash line, 4.6 boards and 2.2 dimes a night.
“Kuminga and his agent, Aaron Turner, are in search of a situation where Kuminga will be a featured part of the core with the belief of the franchise and coaching staff behind him,” Slater writes. “That isn’t something Kuminga has consistently felt in his four years with the Warriors and — holding a degree of agency for the first time in his professional career — he’s in patient pursuit of a situation that matches his ambitions.”