Following a disappointing start, the Milwaukee Bucks are beginning to improve. They are the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, with a 16-13 record. They also won the 2024 NBA Championship by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Bucks appear to be contenders once more, but might acquiring a sharpshooting forward propel them to the top of the Eastern Conference? Hawks on SI proposed a three-team deal involving the Bucks and the Brooklyn Nets.
Bucks acquire Cam Johnson, 2025 second-round selection, and 2027 second-round pick.
Hawks receive: Bobby Portis, Shake Milton, and Delon Wright.
Nets obtain Larry Nance, Pat Connaughton, David Roddy, and AJ Johnson. 2031 first-round pick (via Milwaukee); 2031 second-round pick (via Milwaukee).
The Bucks parted ways with a fan favorite, but get a player who is having his finest season yet. Johnson averages 19.5 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 49.2% and 43% from three. Portis is performing well this season, averaging 14.1 points and 7.8 rebounds on 48.2% shooting. Johnson has him beat in from the arc, with Portis knocking down 38% of his shots.
If Milwaukee signs the 28-year-old forward, they will add another scoring option to Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and a potentially healthy Khris Middleton. The Bucks would have the offensive firepower to compete with the league’s top teams. Milwaukee is already third in the NBA in 3-point percentage, and adding Johnson might help them catch up to New York
That category includes the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Johnson will be an unrestricted free agent in 2027. This gives him plenty of time to adjust to playing with Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Even if the Bucks do not win this season, Johnson’s presence extends their championship window.
Milwaukee is in a better position than it was previously in the season, but adding the Nets forward may be the cherry on top.
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