The Milwaukee Bucks are making it clear: they’re not looking to hit the reset button anytime soon. According to multiple league sources, the front office is signaling to teams around the NBA that the plan is to build around Giannis Antetokounmpo - not move him.
And that message is resonating. One rival GM put it bluntly: “They’re going big-game hunting.”
Whether that aggressive posture holds firm through the February 5 trade deadline is still an open question. Around the league, there’s a growing chorus of execs who believe Milwaukee could eventually pivot into seller mode - even without a formal trade request from Giannis.
Some think it might even be in the Bucks’ best long-term interest. But for now, the Bucks are keeping their eyes on the prize: finding the right pieces to complement their superstar and extend their championship window.
There’s a catch, though. Milwaukee’s war chest of tradable draft picks is pretty bare, which limits their flexibility.
That’s why they might look to target players with less team-friendly contracts - the kind of deals that could come at a discount in terms of trade cost. Think high-upside talent on bloated deals that other teams might be eager to move.
One name that’s been linked to Milwaukee is Kings guard Zach LaVine, but he’s not the only one. Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant is another player who’s been on the Bucks’ radar - not just this season, but in years past as well.
Grant’s contract is hefty: he’s making $32 million this season and is still owed over $70 million across the next two years. That’s a big number, especially considering he had a down year in 2024-25.
But this fall, Grant has bounced back in a big way, averaging 20.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on efficient shooting splits (.438 FG%, .395 3P%, .863 FT%) through his first 25 games. That kind of production has likely restored some of his trade value - and the Blazers’ GM, Joe Cronin, is reportedly a longtime fan of the veteran forward.
Still, Grant’s contract probably doesn’t hold positive value around the league, which makes him a potential buy-low candidate for the Bucks. And with Portland holding several of Milwaukee’s future picks from the Damian Lillard trade, there could be a path to a deal that benefits both sides - potentially even involving a pick swap or protections adjustment.
Milwaukee has also shown past interest in other high-level role players. Before Andrew Wiggins was traded to Miami, the Bucks were reportedly in regular contact with Golden State about acquiring him.
They also kicked the tires on Dejounte Murray before he was dealt to New Orleans. Murray hasn’t suited up this season due to a torn Achilles, but the Pelicans are hopeful he could return as early as next month.
If he proves healthy, that could reignite interest.
Two more names worth noting: Marcus Smart and P.J. Washington.
Both have been on Milwaukee’s radar in the past. Smart, now with the Lakers, remains one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, and it’s unlikely L.A. would part with him midseason.
As for Washington, he recently inked an extension with Dallas, making him ineligible to be traded this year.
If the Bucks do make a significant move - one that doesn’t involve Giannis - it would likely require sending out one of their few sizable contracts. That means forward Kyle Kuzma ($22.4 million) or new center Myles Turner ($25.3 million) would almost certainly be part of the equation. Outside of Antetokounmpo’s $54.1 million salary, they’re the only players on the roster making more than $13.5 million this season.
Bottom line: Milwaukee is still in win-now mode, at least for the time being. They’re not shopping Giannis - they’re shopping for Giannis.
And while the Bucks may not have a treasure trove of assets, they’re exploring creative ways to bring in reinforcements. The next few weeks could tell us whether they’re serious contenders or just holding the line until a bigger decision looms.