The Milwaukee Bucks are making it clear: Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t going anywhere before Thursday’s trade deadline. Despite fielding some aggressive offers from around the league, the Bucks have no intention of moving their franchise cornerstone, according to reports. Instead, Milwaukee is focused on smaller, strategic moves to fine-tune the roster around their superstar - even as he nurses a right calf strain.
Giannis, now 31, remains the heart and soul of the Bucks. Though he's currently sidelined, he’s still averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists over 30 starts this season - numbers that speak for themselves.
A two-time MVP (2019, 2020), a nine-time All-Star, and the engine behind Milwaukee’s 2021 title run, Giannis has etched his name all over the Bucks’ record books. He leads the franchise in games played (889), points (21,377), rebounds (8,831), assists (4,456), and blocks (1,086).
Simply put, he's not just a player - he is the Bucks.
But while Giannis stays put, the front office is still active. Milwaukee has reportedly agreed to a trade with the Phoenix Suns, sending guards Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey west in exchange for forward/center Nick Richards and forward Nigel Hayes-Davis.
Neither Anthony nor Coffey had major roles in Milwaukee’s rotation this season. Anthony, 25, averaged 6.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 35 games, offering some spark off the bench. Coffey, 28, contributed in 30 games, including two starts, but played limited minutes (8.8 per game) and averaged just 2.4 points.
In return, the Bucks get some size and depth in the frontcourt. Richards, 28, appeared in 28 games for the Suns, averaging 3.2 points and 3.3 rebounds in just over nine minutes a night.
Hayes-Davis, 31, added 1.3 points and 1.2 rebounds in 27 games off the bench. Neither is expected to be a game-changer, but both could provide useful minutes as Milwaukee looks to shore up its rotation for the stretch run.
Lakers Add Sharpshooting Help with Kennard
The Los Angeles Lakers have been searching for consistent shooting all season, and they may have found their answer. The team has reportedly acquired Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick.
Kennard, 29, is having one of the most efficient shooting seasons in the league. He leads the NBA in 3-point percentage, hitting a scorching 49.7% from deep (74-of-149) over 46 games off the bench. For a Lakers team shooting just 34.8% from beyond the arc, Kennard’s arrival could be a major boost to their offensive spacing and second-unit scoring.
This marks the fifth team in nine seasons for Kennard, who was originally drafted 12th overall by the Pistons back in 2017. Though he’s bounced around, his elite perimeter shooting has kept him in demand. He’s averaging 7.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists this season, and his career 44.2% clip from three makes him one of the most reliable long-range threats in the league.
As for Vincent, the 29-year-old guard heads to Atlanta after a relatively quiet stint with the Lakers. He averaged 4.8 points and 1.3 assists in 29 games (seven starts) this season. Both players are set to become unrestricted free agents at season’s end, giving each team some flexibility moving forward.
Timberwolves Make a Play for Dosunmu
The Minnesota Timberwolves made a bold move to bolster their backcourt, acquiring guard Ayo Dosunmu and forward Julian Phillips from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for guard Rob Dillingham, forward Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks.
Dosunmu, 26, brings a strong mix of scoring and efficiency to Minnesota. He’s averaging 15.0 points and 3.6 assists while shooting an impressive 51.4% from the field and 45.1% from three.
A Chicago native who starred at Illinois, Dosunmu has steadily grown his game since being drafted in the second round in 2021. His ability to play both guard spots and defend on the perimeter should make him a valuable addition to a Timberwolves team looking to solidify its playoff standing.
Phillips, 22, hasn’t played a major role this season, averaging 2.8 points across 35 games. Still, his youth and athleticism could make him a developmental piece worth watching.
In return, the Bulls get a pair of young prospects. Dillingham, 21, is averaging 3.5 points and 1.7 assists in 35 games off the bench.
Miller, 22, has seen limited action, contributing 2.3 points in 19 games. The four second-round picks add some long-term value for Chicago as they continue to retool their roster.
Final Thoughts
As the trade deadline approaches, teams are making moves that reflect their current priorities - whether that’s contending now or building for the future. The Bucks are staying committed to Giannis while tweaking around the edges.
The Lakers are betting on elite shooting to elevate their offense. And the Timberwolves are adding a proven scorer in Dosunmu to keep pace in a competitive Western Conference.
With the clock ticking, expect more moves to follow. But for now, these deals are already shaping the playoff picture - and could have ripple effects deep into the spring.