The Milwaukee Bucks made a quiet run at Ja Morant ahead of the NBA trade deadline, but ultimately, nothing materialized. And while the idea of pairing Giannis Antetokounmpo with one of the league’s most explosive guards is intriguing on paper, the reality is a bit more complicated-especially when you take a closer look at what Memphis was asking for, and what Milwaukee had to offer.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Grizzlies were open to moving Morant, but only if they could secure meaningful draft capital in return. And that’s where things got tricky.
Memphis wasn’t just looking for a pick-they wanted “positive draft capital,” which essentially means a first-rounder with real upside. Fischer noted that Milwaukee may have been the only team seriously positioned to offer that kind of asset before the deadline.
But here’s the catch: the Bucks only had one first-round pick they could realistically move-either their 2031 or 2032 selection. And that pick carries a lot more weight than it might seem at first glance.
Unlike teams like the Thunder, who are practically swimming in draft assets, Milwaukee has spent years shipping out picks in win-now moves to build around Giannis. That means their future draft capital is limited-and what’s left is extremely valuable, especially in the eyes of teams like Portland, who already hold some of those picks thanks to the Damian Lillard trade.
Why? Because Giannis’ long-term future in Milwaukee isn’t set in stone.
If he were to leave, those distant first-rounders could suddenly become lottery gold. So for the Bucks, dealing one of those picks isn’t just a transaction-it’s a major bet on their future.
And while Ja Morant is undeniably talented, it’s fair to question whether he’s the kind of player worth making that bet on right now. He’s had a rocky year-statistically one of the least efficient of his career-and he’s been dealing with injuries that have kept him from finding any real rhythm.
The upside is still there, no doubt. But the risk?
It's real.
From Milwaukee’s perspective, Morant might’ve been a savvy buy-low option, but not at the cost of their most valuable remaining asset. That kind of move only makes sense if you're getting a clear-cut game-changer, someone who can immediately shift the balance of power in the East. Right now, Morant just isn’t that guy-not this season, at least.
Still, this isn’t necessarily the end of the story. The Bucks could revisit their interest in Morant this summer, when they’ll have access to more draft picks and a clearer picture of their roster needs. If Morant finishes the season strong and shows signs of returning to All-NBA form, Milwaukee might be more inclined to roll the dice-especially if they’re looking to make a statement to Giannis that they’re still serious about contending.
On the flip side, if the Grizzlies decide to pivot and lower their asking price, the door could open for a deal that makes more sense for both sides. For now, though, Milwaukee made the prudent move by holding onto their most valuable chip.
The Bucks are in a delicate spot-trying to win now while also keeping one eye on the future. And when you're walking that tightrope, sometimes the best move is the one you don’t make.