Bucks Zone

Report suggests the Bucks might want to chase Jazz PG Kris Dunn

Dunn’s defense is viewed as a good complementing piece for a backup guard to Damian Lillard.

Matthew Dugandzic

© Christopher Creveling-USA TODAY Sports
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Based on their current roster and the impressive record that they managed to amass so far this 2023-24 season, it appears that the Milwaukee Bucks are already secured from any potential reconstruction ideas. By having go-to scorers like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, sharpshooters like Malik Beasley, 3-and-D wings in the form of Jae Crowder as well as a reliable bench led by Bobby Portis, the Bucks seem to be settled in their needs from top to bottom.

But a recent report suggests they may desire to add another piece at the point, which is considerably an intriguing target heading to this season's trade deadline.

Bucks to be interested in Dunn?

In a mailbag piece provided by Ben Anderson of KSL Sports, he tagged the Bucks as a likely interested team in gaining the service of Utah Jazz guard Kris Dunn.

Anderson pointed out that Dunn is a “sneaky name that contenders might be interested in” with his solid defense at the perimeter. Considering the Bucks’ intentions to further improve their defense as well as to cover Dame's hot scoring in the backcourt, he noted that Kris could be a good component to add for them.

“Let me also add that Kris Dunn could be a sneaky name that contenders might be interested in at the trade deadline. Reliable backcourt help, even if only for a few minutes a night, is always valuable, and a team like the Milwaukee Bucks could benefit from a guard who is going to defend the opposing team’s best player for 5-10 minutes a night to give Damian Lillard a slight breather,” Anderson said.

Assessing Dunn's potential landing case in Milwaukee

This season, Cam Payne has been impressive in his role as a backup for Dame. In 33 games, he's averaging 6.2 points and 2.4 dimes in 15.8 minutes while shooting hot from the outside with 39.4 percent. To add up, Cam has already established a robust bond with the entire team with his veteran presence and outgoing demeanor.

While Payne is an offensively inclined floor general, Dunn is a defensive specialist who is averaging 5.3 points and 3.8 assists. Interestingly, the two veterans have a matched salary of over $2 million this season - making a potential direct trade between the Bucks and the Jazz possible.

Should they decide to trade Dunn, it's likely that the Jazz will head towards rebuilding and look for a future piece like a second-round pick, which the Bucks can still offer. But if the 28-year-old gets released, Milwaukee cannot pick him up off waivers because of second apron limitations.

For now, the Bucks remain in no mentality of delivering urgent moves. While the addition of Dunn would be appealing, they still have plenty of significant considerations to think of, like the rest of the team's chemistry and another rotational adjustment.

Who the Milwaukee Bucks should target as the trade deadline nears

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.