This Bucks-Thunder trade proposal sends intriguing veteran to Milwaukee

One NBA writer is proposing that the Milwaukee Bucks make a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder this summer.

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed that the Bucks send MarJon Beauchamp and Pat Connaughton to the Thunder for Kenrich Williams.

“While his raw numbers may be modest (8.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists), Williams simply impacts winning when he’s on the floor,” Swartz wrote. “His swing ratings have ranked in the 94th, 98th and 79th percentiles the past three seasons, with the Thunder improving by 4.9-to-13.8 points per 100 possessions with Williams on the floor, per Cleaning the Glass. He can defend multiple positions at 6’6” and shot 60.8 percent from two and 37.3 percent from three for OKC this season.

“Beauchamp, Milwaukee’s first-round pick last year, gives the Thunder yet another prospect to build around while Connaughton provides some veteran leadership and shooting.”

Williams isn’t a household name. However, his 3-point shooting ability could help create more driving lanes for Bucks stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday. Defenders can’t help off of Williams and leave him open since he’s a career 35.2% shooter from deep.

For the Thunder this season, Williams averaged 8.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 51.7% from the field, 37.3% from beyond the arc and 43.6% from the free-throw line. The 28-year-old signed a four-year, $27.2 million veteran contract extension with the Thunder in July 2022. He will make $6.2 million next season. 

Williams suffered a ligament rupture in his left wrist this season, which is why he only played in 53 games. The TCU product has career averages of 6.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 46.8% from the floor and 35.2% from 3-point land.

The Bucks lost to the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in five games. Mike Budenholzer was fired as head coach and Adrian Griffin was hired. Antetokounmpo played a major role in Griffin getting the Milwaukee job.