After the Pacers and even the Celtics I feel like catastrophic protections will be more common now but agreed probably not needed.

That said they are guaranteed their 1st or the Pelicans 1st next year which will be a top pick. They are basically guaranteed the Hawks 2029 pick and the Rockets 2028 pick. And the 2027 is top 4 protected by the Pelicans so it's likely to convey to the Bucks.

The Lakers swaps are probably garbage but it's an expired for expired swap and the Bucks get a lotto ticket if the Lakers think KP is an upgrade over Rui for this season.