The Milwaukee Bucks are making it clear: they're buyers this trade season, not sellers. And while that’s not exactly a surprise for a team with championship aspirations, the name reportedly floating around as a potential target is-let’s just say-eye-catching.
Anthony Davis, currently with the Mavericks, could be available. And if the Bucks were to make a move, pairing Davis with Giannis Antetokounmpo would give Milwaukee one of the most physically imposing frontcourts in recent NBA memory.
On paper, it sounds like a dream. Giannis and AD together?
That’s a defensive wall with wingspans for days, two elite finishers, and a combined résumé that includes multiple All-NBA selections, Defensive Player of the Year nods, and a ring apiece. But in reality, there’s a lot more to this than just the highlight reel potential.
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: availability. Davis has struggled to stay on the court for years, and that hasn’t changed since his move to Dallas.
Since arriving last February, he's suited up for just 20 games. Even when he’s technically “available,” he’s often listed as questionable with a new tweak or lingering issue.
Just last month, he returned from a four-week absence-only to sit out again with a calf issue. He’s played more than 62 games just once since the 2017-18 season, and now, at 32 and in his 14th year, it’s hard to imagine that trend reversing.
Still, when Davis is on the floor, he’s undeniably productive. Through 11 games this season, he’s averaging a 20-point double-double with 3.2 assists, shooting over 51% from the field.
He’s not the defensive monster he once was, but 1.6 blocks per game still puts him among the better rim protectors in the league. That’s the kind of box score line that will always tempt a GM-especially one like Jon Horst, who’s never been shy about chasing stars.
But this would be a massive gamble. Perhaps even a franchise-altering one.
To make the salaries work without involving a third team, Milwaukee would likely have to move both Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma. And let’s be honest-that’s not just a financial shuffle.
Turner has been a key presence in the frontcourt, and while Kuzma’s fit hasn’t been perfect, he’s still a versatile wing who can space the floor and create his own shot. Losing both for an aging, injury-prone Davis?
That’s a tough pill to swallow.
And it’s not just about depth. From a roster construction standpoint, Davis doesn’t check the boxes Milwaukee needs most.
He’s not a wing creator. He’s not a reliable three-point shooter, even though he’s hitting at a 31.8% clip this year-his best since 2019-20.
He’s not a floor spacer in the way Milwaukee’s offense thrives on, and he doesn’t want to play the five, even though he’d almost certainly have to in this system. The Bucks moved away from slow-footed bigs when they let Brook Lopez walk; bringing in Davis would be a step back in that regard.
Then there’s the financial weight. Davis is on the books for $175 million through the 2027-28 season, including a player option.
That’s a massive commitment-especially for a player with his injury history. And let’s not forget: the Bucks already have $113 million in dead money tied to Damian Lillard’s stretched contract.
Adding Davis would put a stranglehold on future flexibility, both in terms of cap space and roster building.
Even if Milwaukee could find a third team to facilitate the deal, that would likely require giving up additional assets-young players, draft picks, or both. That’s a steep price to pay for a player who might only be available for half the season.
There’s also the chemistry factor. Would Giannis, who’s already shown signs of frustration during this up-and-down season, be any more content sharing the floor with a part-time co-star? And if Davis misses extended time-again-what message does that send to the locker room?
This isn’t just about star power. It’s about fit, health, and long-term sustainability. And right now, Davis doesn’t check enough of those boxes to justify the risk.
The Bucks made a bold move signing Turner after stretching Lillard’s deal. That move raised eyebrows.
Trading for Davis would raise alarm bells. The cost, both in players and in future flexibility, would be steep.
The reward? Uncertain at best.
Milwaukee wants to make a splash. But this isn’t the pool to dive into.