Bucks predicted to acquire highly sought-after $94 million forward via trade

The Milwaukee Bucks are starting to turn things around after their underwhelming start. They are the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 16-13. They also won the 2024 NBA Cup by beating the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Bucks look like potential contenders once again, but could trading for a sharpshooting forward make them the favorites in the East?

Hawks on SI came up with a three-team trade involving the Bucks and the Brooklyn Nets.

Bucks receive: Cam Johnson, 2025 2nd round pick, 2027 2nd round pick

Hawks receive: Bobby Portis, Shake Milton, Delon Wright

Nets receive: Larry Nance, Pat Connaughton, David Roddy, AJ Johnson, 2031 1st round pick (via Milwaukee), 2031 2nd round pick (via Milwaukee)

The Bucks part ways with a fan favorite, but gain a player having the best year of his career. Johnson is averaging 19.5 points, and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 49.2% and 43% from three-point range. Portis is playing well this season, as he is averaging 14.1 points and 7.8 rebounds on 48.2% shooting. Johnson has him beat in from the arc as Portis knocks down 38% of his attempts.

If Milwaukee does bring in the 28-year-old forward, they gain another scoring option behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and potentially a healthy Khris Middleton. The Bucks would have enough offensive firepower to compete with other top teams in the league. Milwaukee is already third in the league in 3-point percentage and adding Johnson could help them catch the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers in that category.

Johnson will become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. This gives him plenty of time to become accustomed to playing alongside Antetokounmpo and Lillard. If the Bucks do not win this season, having Johnson keeps their championship window open a little longer.

Milwaukee is in a better place than earlier in the season, but acquiring the Nets forward could be the icing on the cake.

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