Could the Bucks Go All-In for Donovan Mitchell? A Last-Ditch Gamble to Keep the Giannis Era Alive
The Milwaukee Bucks are in a strange place right now. They’ve got one of the best players in the world in Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the supporting cast hasn’t held up its end of the bargain.
Injuries, inconsistency, and a roster that’s both aging and expensive have led to a season that’s fallen well short of expectations. And yet, with the trade deadline looming, there’s still one wild card left on the table-Donovan Mitchell.
It’s a long shot, no doubt. But in the NBA, long shots are sometimes all you’ve got.
The Mitchell Watch: A League-Wide Fascination
Around the league, executives are keeping a close eye on the situation in Cleveland. Donovan Mitchell has just one guaranteed year left on his contract after this season, and so far, he hasn’t made it past the second round in his playoff career. That’s not a knock on his talent-Mitchell is elite-but it does raise questions about his long-term fit in Cleveland and whether the Cavs are ready to commit to this core.
As it stands, the Cavaliers are in fifth place in the East-not terrible, but not where they hoped to be. They entered the season with legitimate aspirations to contend, but they’re stuck in the second tax apron, which severely limits their flexibility moving forward. Mitchell is owed $50 million next season, and if he walks in free agency after that, Cleveland could be left empty-handed.
So, if the Cavs are even remotely open to the idea of moving Mitchell, the Bucks should at least pick up the phone.
What Would a Deal Look Like?
Let’s be clear-this would be a blockbuster. A move like this would signal Milwaukee is pushing all its chips to the center of the table in a last-ditch effort to keep Giannis happy and competitive.
A potential package might center around Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis, with Ryan Rollins and a 2031 first-round pick thrown in. That’s a steep price for a player who could leave in free agency in 2027, but Milwaukee isn’t exactly playing the long game right now.
If Rollins is included-and it’s hard to imagine a deal without him-it would sting. He’s one of the few young bright spots on a team that’s otherwise built around veteran pieces.
Could the Bucks attach protections to that 2031 pick? Or make it a pick swap?
Maybe. But any deal would be a calculated risk-and one that could blow up spectacularly.
Why Cleveland Might Listen
From Cleveland’s perspective, this isn’t just about talent-it’s about timing and finances. Mitchell is a star, no doubt, but if the front office doesn’t believe this current group-Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen-can take them to the Finals, then now’s the time to pivot. Shedding salary would give them more flexibility to build around Mobley, whose extension runs through 2029.
Kuzma and Portis could be rerouted for expiring contracts, helping clear cap space. Rollins, plus a future first, gives them a young piece and some draft capital to work with. It’s not a rebuild, but it’s a reset-one that could keep them competitive while planning for the future.
Mitchell’s Impact in Milwaukee
Now let’s talk about what Mitchell brings to the table. He’s averaging 28.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game on efficient shooting splits.
His 5.4 win shares this season are nearly equal to the combined total of Kuzma, Portis, and Rollins. That’s the kind of offensive firepower Milwaukee desperately needs, especially with Giannis battling injuries and the team struggling to find consistency.
Add Mitchell to a healthy Giannis, and you’ve got a duo that could do real damage-at least in the short term. Maybe they claw their way into the Play-In.
Maybe they make a run. Stranger things have happened.
But make no mistake: this would be a high-risk, high-reward move. If Mitchell and Giannis both leave in 2027, the Bucks would be left with no stars, no Rollins, and no future first. That’s the kind of gamble that keeps GMs up at night.
The Bigger Picture: Giannis and the Clock
This all comes back to Giannis. The Bucks’ entire future hinges on keeping him happy-and keeping him around.
Would trading for Mitchell be enough to convince Giannis to sign an extension this summer? There’s no guarantee.
He could just as easily ride out next season and test free agency in 2027, right alongside Mitchell.
But if the goal is to show Giannis that the franchise is still committed to winning now, then a bold move like this might be the only play left. It’s not about being cautious. It’s about showing your superstar that you’re still in the fight.
Final Thoughts
Is this deal likely? Probably not.
But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth considering. The Bucks are in a precarious spot, and the clock is ticking.
If they believe there’s still a window to compete with Giannis, then swinging big for a star like Donovan Mitchell might be the only way to keep that window from slamming shut.
The NBA trade deadline has delivered its fair share of surprises over the years. Don’t count out one more.