The Milwaukee Bucks are back in the trade conversation, and this time, they’re not just window shopping. With the team still trying to find its rhythm, the front office is reportedly exploring deals that could reshape the roster - for better or worse. Two potential trade scenarios have surfaced, each painting a very different picture of what the Bucks’ future could look like.
Let’s break them down.
The Move That Could Change Everything
If there’s one thing the Bucks need right now, it’s balance - especially on the wing. The roster has been leaning too far in either direction: lineups that are either oversized and slow or undersized and overmatched. Enter Herb Jones, a name that’s been floating around league circles as a potential game-changer for teams in need of a defensive wing.
Jones, already an All-Defensive selection in his young career, checks just about every box for Milwaukee. He’s long, versatile, and brings a defensive edge this team has sorely lacked on the perimeter. In a conference loaded with elite wings, Jones could be the answer to Milwaukee’s years-long search for a reliable big wing defender.
Now, to get someone like Jones, you have to give something up - and that likely means Bobby Portis. Portis has been a fan favorite and a key contributor during the Bucks’ recent playoff runs, but his contract makes him a natural trade chip. Including rookie Andre Jackson Jr. and a first-round pick sweetens the deal for New Orleans, giving them a young piece and future capital in return.
There’s just one wrinkle: Jones can’t be traded until January 14 due to contract restrictions. That gives Milwaukee a narrow window.
If the Bucks can stay afloat and show signs of life over the next few weeks, this is the kind of move that could vault them back into serious contention. But if they continue to slide, the front office might have to think twice about sacrificing future assets for a mid-season gamble.
The Deal They Have to Avoid
On the flip side, there’s a scenario that could set the franchise back - and it starts with Jeremy Sochan.
Sochan is an intriguing young player, no doubt. He’s 6-foot-8, can guard multiple positions, and brings a certain edge defensively.
But let’s be clear: he’s not the kind of player you give up a 2031 first-round pick for - even in a swap. That pick, which could be critical in the post-Giannis era (or even in convincing Giannis to stay), is simply too valuable to risk on a player who hasn’t proven he can impact winning at a high level.
Sochan’s numbers this season don’t help his case: 5.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and just 26.9% from beyond the arc. That’s not the profile of a player who moves the needle for a team with championship aspirations. He may develop into a solid two-way contributor, but right now, he’s not the answer.
If Milwaukee is serious about keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo happy and competitive, they need to be smart with their assets. Trading a future first - even one that’s six years down the line - for a player like Sochan sends the wrong message. It’s not just about talent; it’s about timing, fit, and maximizing every move in what could be a very narrow championship window.
The Bottom Line
The Bucks are at a crossroads. They have a generational star in Giannis, a roster that’s still figuring itself out, and a front office with some tough decisions ahead.
Adding a player like Herb Jones could be the kind of savvy midseason move that tips the scales in their favor. But swinging for the wrong player - especially at the cost of a future first-round pick - could do more harm than good.
This trade deadline isn’t just about improving the roster. It’s about protecting the franchise’s future while doing everything possible to compete in the present. The Bucks have to thread that needle carefully.