Show summary Hide summary
The Milwaukee Bucks face a clear choice if they want to pursue Detroit center Jalen Duren: offer pieces that satisfy the Pistons, but avoid sacrificing a rising core player. A recent mock proposal from Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor suggested sending Myles Turner and Jaime Jaquez Jr. to Detroit for Duren — a swap that includes a sign-and-trade for Turner but, critics say, would risk moving a valuable young wing.
Jaquez’s rising profile gives Milwaukee pause
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has spent most of his first three seasons as a reserve, yet the next campaign looks different. He appears in line to start at small forward, a promotion that would increase his minutes and visibility.
NC State, Maryland and Baylor owe coaches more than $30 million after coaching changes
Badgers receiver Eugene Hilton Jr. says fan support grows with wins
If Jaquez takes that next step, the Bucks could be negotiating an extension based on new production. That trajectory places him on several breakout watch lists and, with a strong season, even in conversation for awards like Most Improved Player.
Why including Jaquez in a trade would sting
Trading a young, upward-trending starter would cost Milwaukee more than roster balance. Jaquez brings defensive versatility, positional size and intangibles that are not easily replaced by an incoming big man, no matter how talented.
A more sensible offer: move Green, not Jaquez
O’Connor’s mock swap also suggested AJ Green as an alternative piece alongside Turner. That option makes practical sense for several reasons.
Green is a guard on a team already heavy in the backcourt. Shipping him out would free minutes and create clearer roles for players the Bucks appear committed to prioritizing, including Gary Trent Jr.. Trent’s expanded role has been tied to a contentious contract extension this past summer; more playing time would help justify that move in the short term.
Opportunities for development if Green is traded
Removing Green from the rotation would also open opportunities for younger guards such as Kasparas Jakucionis and Brayden Burries. Those players have been buried on the depth chart and could benefit from more consistent minutes — a development angle Milwaukee may prefer to preserve.
Why Detroit might prefer Green over Jaquez
The Pistons, building around emerging wings like Ausar Thompson, could value an elite perimeter shooter. Green’s shooting profile fits that need better than Jaquez, whose outside shot remains a limitation and could clash stylistically with Detroit’s existing wings.
Framing Green as the better immediate fit might soften Detroit’s stance and make a package centered on Turner, Green and draft capital more palatable should talks continue.
What a feasible package looks like
Given Turner’s contract situation — which likely requires a sign-and-trade structure — a deal that pairs him with a shooter like Green and some future picks could match Detroit’s needs without surrendering a younger core piece. That approach preserves Milwaukee’s depth while still pursuing an impact frontcourt addition.
