The Milwaukee Bucks are in a tricky spot right now. Without Giannis Antetokounmpo on the floor, they’ve looked like a team missing its engine - the offense stalls, the defense loses its edge, and the supporting cast has struggled to carry the load.
With championship aspirations still very much alive, the Bucks might be eyeing the trade market for a real solution. One name that’s starting to gain traction: Julius Randle.
Let’s be clear - Randle isn’t just a stopgap. He’s the kind of versatile, high-usage forward who could give Milwaukee exactly what it needs: a second star who can both complement Giannis and carry the offense when necessary. And while he’s not eligible to be traded until December 15, the Bucks could be preparing a serious offer to pry him away from Minnesota once the window opens.
Why Randle Makes Sense for the Bucks
Randle’s been having a strong season in Minnesota, putting up 23 points, 7.5 rebounds, and six assists per game. Those are big-time numbers, and what’s more impressive is how efficiently he’s doing it: 50% from the field, 36% from deep, and 81% at the line. He’s not just scoring - he’s doing it in a way that fits within the flow of a team offense.
In Minnesota, Randle has found a rhythm playing alongside Anthony Edwards, a ball-dominant star who commands a lot of attention. That’s key, because it shows Randle can thrive as a second option - spacing the floor, attacking mismatches, and working as a screener or secondary playmaker.
But when Edwards has been out, Randle hasn’t missed a beat. In those games, he’s bumped his scoring up to 27 points per game, showing he can still carry the load when asked.
That’s the kind of flexibility Milwaukee desperately needs. The Bucks’ young guards - guys like Ryan Rollins and Cole Anthony - are showing promise, but they’re most effective in complementary roles.
Randle’s presence would take pressure off them, giving the offense a stabilizing force when Giannis rests or sits out. Whether it’s running the pick-and-roll, isolating against slower defenders, or simply being a physical presence on the floor, Randle checks a lot of boxes.
The Trade Math: What It Might Take
Of course, getting Randle won’t be easy. The Bucks would likely have to send out Myles Turner to make the salaries work.
Turner, like Randle, becomes trade-eligible on December 15 after signing a new deal, so the timing lines up. But Minnesota already has plenty of center depth, which means Turner could be rerouted to a third team - a wrinkle that complicates things but doesn’t kill the deal.
If Turner goes, it would push Giannis into more minutes at center - not his natural position, but one he’s more than capable of handling. In fact, Giannis has quietly been having a defensive resurgence this season, and pairing him with Randle in the frontcourt could create a rugged, switchable duo that still protects the rim and rebounds well.
The bigger question is what else Milwaukee would need to include. Randle is playing at an All-Star level, and Minnesota isn’t going to give him up for a lateral move.
The Bucks might have to throw in a sweetener - and that’s where things get tough. Ryan Rollins would be an intriguing piece for the Wolves, who are still looking for their point guard of the future.
But Milwaukee may not want to part with him.
If Rollins is off the table, the Bucks could be forced to dip into their limited stash of draft picks. It’s a steep price, no doubt. But when you’re trying to maximize your championship window with a generational talent like Giannis, sometimes you have to push your chips in.
A Calculated Gamble
This wouldn’t be a minor tweak - it’d be a major swing. But the Bucks aren’t in the business of playing it safe.
Giannis is still in his prime, and the East is as competitive as ever. Adding a player like Randle gives Milwaukee another high-level shot creator and a physical presence who can take pressure off their MVP.
Is it risky? Absolutely.
But it’s also the kind of move that could unlock a new level for the Bucks - one where they’re not just surviving without Giannis, but thriving. If the front office believes Randle is the missing piece, don’t be surprised if they go all-in.