The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly exploring ways to bolster their roster, and with Giannis Antetokounmpo working his way back, the front office appears to be eyeing offensive firepower to lighten the load on their superstar. One name that’s surfaced in trade chatter is Zach LaVine. But if the Bucks are serious about maximizing their title window, they might want to shift their focus to a different target-Michael Porter Jr.
Let’s break this down.
LaVine Brings Buckets-But Also Redundancy
Zach LaVine is a proven scorer. He’s putting up 20.2 points per game this season, shooting 38.5% from beyond the arc.
That kind of shot-making could absolutely help Milwaukee’s offense, especially in half-court sets where they’ve struggled at times. But the fit isn’t seamless.
At 6-foot-5, LaVine would be joining a backcourt that’s already stacked with guards-Damian Lillard, Malik Beasley, and Pat Connaughton, to name a few. Adding another undersized perimeter scorer doesn’t do much to solve Milwaukee’s glaring issue: defending bigger wings.
In fact, it might make that problem worse. Opposing teams have already been targeting Milwaukee’s smaller lineups, and LaVine doesn’t change that equation.
Porter Jr. Checks More Boxes
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Michael Porter Jr., currently with the Brooklyn Nets, is quietly having a breakout year.
He’s averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while knocking down over 40% of his threes. That’s elite-level production, and it’s coming from a player who stands 6-foot-10 and plays the wing.
Porter doesn’t just bring size-he brings versatility. He can shoot over smaller defenders, rebound at a high level, and slot into multiple roles on both ends of the floor.
And unlike LaVine, Porter has already contributed to a championship team, playing a key role for the Denver Nuggets during their 2023 title run. He knows what it takes to win deep into June.
Defensively, neither LaVine nor Porter is going to transform Milwaukee into a lockdown unit. But Porter’s length and rebounding give him a clear edge when it comes to matching up with the league’s bigger wings and forwards-exactly the kind of players the Bucks have struggled to contain.
The Financials Matter, Too
Then there’s the contract situation. LaVine is making $47.5 million this season, while Porter comes in at a more manageable $38.3 million.
That difference matters, especially for a team like Milwaukee that’s already navigating the luxury tax and looking to stay flexible. Porter is also younger and, based on current production, arguably the better player right now.
Cost vs. Fit
Here’s the catch: Porter is going to cost more in a trade. He’s younger, more productive, and fills a bigger need.
That’s the premium you pay for a player who fits your roster and timeline. But if the Bucks are truly all-in on chasing another title-and all indications suggest they are-then it’s a price worth considering.
As of now, the Bucks haven’t been directly linked to Porter in the rumor mill. Most of the buzz has centered around LaVine. But if Milwaukee wants to address its size issues, add a high-level scorer, and give Giannis the kind of help that actually complements his game, the front office should be placing a call to Brooklyn.
The Bucks don’t just need another scorer-they need the right one. And right now, that looks a lot more like Michael Porter Jr. than Zach LaVine.