Now that the Bucks can aggregate contracts in deals they should make this trade.

Rationale:

For the Bucks it's simple, with the addition of Kuzma, Bobby Portis becomes expendable and they can piece together a few asset to get another wing player to help them compete this year. Johnson makes sense, he's been good for the Nets this year and is on a good contract for the next few years.

For the Nets, their asking price has been two firsts for Johnson. Though I think another team could meet this if they wanted to, this trade could in a roundabout way could do so as well. The Bucks 1st is top-4 protected and would go to the Nets if it falls in the protected range. What this effectively means is that the Bucks must get this pick back if they are wanting to tank in 2026-27, at which point the Nets could demand a first in exchange for it. Or, if for some miracle the Bucks end up getting a top four pick in that draft the Nets would get it. They additionally get a late first this year from either the Rockets, Thunder, or most likely the Clippers. Furthermore, they clear some cap space which could be used to take on another contract in exchange for draft capital too.

For the Thunder, given the injuries to both Chet and I-Hart this season, adding another bigman on the NTMLE with championship experience who can shoot and play defence while staying under the 1st apron is a good safety net. Plus, as an expiring next year, his money is not an issue into the future and could even be easily packaged for a star later on.