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Multiple rumors in the media that the Bucks are interested in Kanter, with Kidd being impressed by Kanter's scoring and rebounding.

Along those lines:

Bucks in: Kanter, Hood, 2017 2nd round pick

Jazz in: Middleton, Ersan, 2017 Clippers pick

Why? Kidd gets his reported wish, inside scoring and rebounding (which Kanter is very good at- even though Giannis or Henson might be needed to protect rim/provide defense). Hood is a promising SG on a rookie contract. Ersan is of negative value to the Bucks right now, but swap of picks lessens the blow. Jazz get a 1st round pick (albeit a very protected one), their 3 and D guy, and hope that Ersan returns to form.

I was wondering a similar deal as a Bucks fan, but Middleton is way too crucial to us right now. It would come down to who would I rather keep this off-season and I think I'd rather have Middleton. He's developed a lot this season when he was previously a stand alone shooter. He also is probably our most important defensive player. Although we do need another big body, and Kanter would help with rebounding, his defensive deficiencies are pretty obvious which is what we need the most. I think it'd be much easier in the off-season to find a guy who can do what Kanter does than what Middleton does, solely because Middleton fits in so well and is perfect for Kidd's defense.

If Im the Bucks, I offer Pachulia, Middleton and 2015 1st round pick for Kanter.

Man, if hood could ever get his plantar fascia under control... I really like his potential as a 3 and D guy.

Middleton is waaaaay better than Kanter. Pass.

The Bucks are in the playoffs...much as we Jazz fans would like a Middleton or whoever, that isn't very likely to happen. Milwaukee needs him.

My guess, if anything happens:
simple version: Kanter into Milwaukee's capspace for their 1st, protected, and maybe a Johnny O'Bryant
or
slightly expanded: Kanter and Novak for Ilyasova, their 1st protected, and maybe a Johnny O'Bryant

Those make the most sense to me. If the Bucks go after Kanter at all, it'll be for guys who *aren't* a big part of their push.

I kinda hope this all blows over and we just keep Kanter.

Middleton's been the best player on a winning Mil team. He's by far the most valuable player in this deal.

Middleton is by far the best player in this deal. No way

Bentley1225 wrote:If Im the Bucks, I offer Pachulia, Middleton and 2015 1st round pick for Kanter.

Hopefully they don't feel the same.

Bentley1225 wrote:If Im the Bucks, I offer Pachulia, Middleton and 2015 1st round pick for Kanter.

Let me say on behalf of Bucks' fans everywhere... thank God you aren't the Bucks.

loserX wrote:The Bucks are in the playoffs...much as we Jazz fans would like a Middleton or whoever, that isn't very likely to happen. Milwaukee needs him.

My guess, if anything happens:
simple version: Kanter into Milwaukee's capspace for their 1st, protected, and maybe a Johnny O'Bryant
or
slightly expanded: Kanter and Novak for Ilyasova, their 1st protected, and maybe a Johnny O'Bryant

Those make the most sense to me. If the Bucks go after Kanter at all, it'll be for guys who *aren't* a big part of their push.

First one I can definitely see (tho not sure they want to give up their first this year, even if lottery protected).

Second one... if the Bucks are simply swapping two bad contracts, I think they'd rather have Ilyasova. They shouldn't really have any issues with the cap next year and Ilyasova can actually be serviceable; and maybe even regain some value as to where he's not just a cap dump.

The Jazz have held pretty firm on wanting a 1st (I'd bet there's flexibility on the year) and a young player. The first trade appears to be in that neighborhood--but I'm not a big fan of taking Ilyasova (and his $7.9 mill for next year) back in the 2nd proposal.

Middleton is a much much better player than Kanter, Kanter cannot pass and cannot defend and when you can't do those you are not a good player. The success our team has had this season has largely been built upon our defense and willingness to share the ball and Kanter seems like the complete antithesis of that.

I wouldn't offer Middleton, I wouldn't offer our 2015 1st, I'm squeamish even about the 2017 LAC 1st as I don't like Kanter's fit at all. John Henson is a better player than Kanter at this point.

giberish wrote:Middleton's been the best player on a winning Mil team. He's by far the most valuable player in this deal.

I can't help but think that Knight might have a beef with that. Dudley, Henson, and Giannis are right there too, from what I've seen.

I think that Middleton is a nice player, but probably an MLE or slightly higher player. Jazz fans interested in Middleton due to fit, not because he is All Star material. Personally, I think that he is becoming overvalued and Kanter undervalued.

Honestly, I don't even know who middleton is. I could stand right next to him at WAl-Mart and not know it.

I think I would recognize Knight and Giannis and maybe Henson. But, Middleton??? Who is that?

jazzfan1971 wrote:I kinda hope this all blows over and we just keep Kanter.

If I knew that Kanter would get a reasonable offer in RFA that the Jazz would match, I would agree with you and I would rather keep Kanter and have, arguably, the best frontcourt in the NBA for years to come rather than what we can get from the proposed trades.

The concern is that either he gets too high of an offer, or he and the Jazz have to put up with one another during an awkward final year if he accepts QO.

SoCalJazzFan wrote:

giberish wrote:Middleton's been the best player on a winning Mil team. He's by far the most valuable player in this deal.

I can't help but think that Knight might have a beef with that. Dudley, Henson, and Giannis are right there too, from what I've seen.

I think that Middleton is a nice player, but probably an MLE or slightly higher player. Jazz fans interested in Middleton due to fit, not because he is All Star material. Personally, I think that he is becoming overvalued and Kanter undervalued.

You haven't watched the Bucks play so you assessment means nothing, the fact you said Henson has been better than him just makes it laughable. No, Middleton is underrated. Middleton is one of the best 3 and D guys in the league, he has been working on expanding his offensive game too and has higher upside too. He's a two way player with an elite skill, Kanter isn't a 2 or 1 way anything. An empty stats guy that's disgruntled and is a RFA this offseason. I wouldn't want him because of fit period, you can hope a guy can overcome or at least cover up one deficiency but being a blackhole + no D is recipe for disaster. You guys obviously wouldn't be looking to dump him if you thought differently.

SoCalJazzFan wrote:

jazzfan1971 wrote: the best frontcourt in the NBA for years to come

teams with that sort of claim don't end up being perennial lottery team.

I personally think at this point Middleton > Kanter. Middleton does everything you want from that spot, he can score, rebound, play good defense and he is shooting the ball very efficiently. Kanter is good and not to be taken lightly but it is pretty clear he wants out from Utah where on the other hand it looks like Middleton will be a long term piece. Middleton/Giannis/Jabari should be fun to watch reak havoc on defense.