Bucks Reportedly Eyeing Andrew Wiggins, Adding Pressure to Lakers’ Trade Deadline Plans
Andrew Wiggins’ name has been floating around the Lakers’ orbit for months now, and for good reason. He’s the kind of two-way wing who could fit seamlessly next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis - a plug-and-play option with playoff experience and a championship pedigree.
But if the Lakers are still eyeing Wiggins as a potential difference-maker for a postseason push, they’re not the only ones circling. The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly in the mix, and they’ve been there longer than most people realize.
According to league chatter, Milwaukee has been quietly monitoring Wiggins’ availability since his Golden State days - long before the Lakers ever entered the picture. NBA insider Jake Fischer noted that the Bucks “regularly called about Wiggins” during his time with the Warriors, and now that his name is back in trade conversations, Milwaukee’s interest has reportedly resurfaced.
So what’s driving the Bucks’ pursuit? It’s all about Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee is doing everything it can to convince its franchise cornerstone to commit long-term. There’s no formal trade request on the table from Giannis, but the front office isn’t waiting around for one.
The message is clear: they’re going all-in to build a roster that keeps their superstar engaged and believing in the Bucks’ future. And that means being aggressive at the deadline.
Fischer reported that Milwaukee is shifting toward a buyer’s mindset, with one rival GM even describing the Bucks’ approach as “big-game hunting.” That’s a bold stance for a team with limited assets - and yet, the names linked to them suggest they’re aiming high. Alongside Wiggins, the Bucks have reportedly shown interest in Dejounte Murray, Zach LaVine, Jerami Grant, and Marcus Smart.
Now, none of those names come cheap, and Milwaukee’s trade chips don’t exactly stack up favorably against the rest of the league - including the Lakers, who aren’t exactly flush with assets themselves. But that hasn’t stopped the Bucks from trying to make something happen.
For the Lakers, Milwaukee’s involvement complicates an already tricky situation. Wiggins has long been viewed as a potential target to solidify the wing position and bring defensive versatility to L.A.'s rotation. But even if the Lakers are ready to make a move, the biggest hurdle remains the Miami Heat.
Wiggins is currently under the Heat’s control, and they’ve reportedly been firm on what it would take to pry him loose. Earlier in the offseason, a potential deal between the Lakers and Heat reportedly fell apart due to a steep asking price from Pat Riley’s front office. That demand has kept Wiggins in Miami - for now.
So while the Bucks’ interest might not be the biggest roadblock for the Lakers, it certainly adds another layer of urgency. If Milwaukee is serious about landing Wiggins or a similar caliber player, and they’re willing to stretch their limited trade capital to do it, the Lakers may find themselves in a bit of a race - one where the finish line is defined not just by what they’re willing to offer, but by what Miami is willing to accept.
Bottom line: Wiggins isn’t just a name on a rumor mill anymore. He’s a potential pivot point in the trade deadline plans of two contenders trying to maximize their windows. And if the Bucks’ interest is as real as it sounds, the Lakers may have to move fast - or move on.