At this point, the whole league knows that the Kings want Russell Westbrook. NBA insider Jake Fischer recently reiterated this interest, elaborating on the implications. To make room for the 17-year veteran, Fischer said, they may go so far as to part ways with talented young guard Devin Carter. That seems like a questionable, if not detrimental, move for Sacramento.
Unfortunately, it's quite similar to what the Milwaukee Bucks seem poised to do themselves. Barring a trade to clear roster space, the signing of Thanasis Antetokounmpo all but ensures the loss of Andre Jackson Jr., a third-year player who is clearly a better asset on the court. From a talent perspective, it's a frustrating exchange.
Necessary evil or undisciplined mistake, in principle, it hurts
The Kings have their reasons for pursuing Westbrook. For one thing, the only point guards on the roster are Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, who isn't really a point guard. Westbrook brings veteran experience and, even at 37, a solid floor of production. That doesn't change the fact that Carter, a 2024 first-round pick, has more promise at this point in their respective careers.
Likewise, the Bucks have a clear motive in bringing back Thanasis, who spent five years with the team from 2019 to 2024. Giannis likes having him around. When your franchise player wants something, you do it - especially when it costs basically nothing. For the Milwaukee Bucks front office, giving Thanasis a minimum contract should be considered a no-brainer if it's what Giannis wants.
As in Sacramento, though, it isn't without unpleasant consequences. The Kings might benefit in the short term from exchanging Carter for Westbrook. Sacrificing the former's potential for a one-year Westbrook deal, bringing in another non-shooter, is where it hurts. On a player-by-player comparison, the Bucks do not stand to gain by rostering Thanasis over Jackson in either the present or the future.
As much criticism as he takes - a rough Summer League showing did not help - Jackson still has potential. It's easy to forget that he started 43 Bucks games last year. He provides NBA-caliber defense. The problem is the other end of the floor, where he remains a severe liability. Jackson has at least made his threes, however, shooting 38.5 percent across 122 career attempts. It would be premature to rule out a successful career as a 3-and-D specialist.
Thanasis, on the other hand, had one team interested in signing him, and one team only. Keeping Giannis happy by having his brother on the team is a sacrifice the Bucks have chosen to make. Maybe the Kings consider adding Westbrook a similarly high priority. He still stuffs a stat sheet, whereas Carter played very little last season.
Still, there are those who see his defensive energy and athletic tools and aren't ready to write him off as a bust. He was, after all, the 13th overall pick last year. The Bucks invested likewise in Jackson by trading up to take him at No. 36 in the 2023 draft. Apparently, it was another wasted commitment.
It's just unfortunate, in both cases, that shorter-term considerations will end up costing the team a net loss of talent. Not a lot of Bucks fans are high on Jackson, and it isn't like he would get a lot of minutes this season, but he does bring playmaking potential and proven defensive skills. It's going to sting if he ends up maturing into a useful piece elsewhere.