The vibes in Milwaukee right now? Let’s just say they’re not exactly championship-caliber.
The Bucks are sitting at 18-25 after a humbling loss to the surging Oklahoma City Thunder, and the playoff picture is starting to fade into the distance. With their season teetering on the edge, it’s looking more and more like Milwaukee might be gearing up for a bold swing at the trade deadline.
Desperate? Maybe.
But with Giannis Antetokounmpo still in his prime, standing pat isn’t really an option.
Let’s break down a few of the potential moves that could shake things up in Cream City.
A Ja Morant Gamble: High Risk, High Reward
If there’s one thing the Bucks need, it’s someone who can take the offensive burden off Giannis. Enter Ja Morant.
With the Grizzlies reportedly open to exploring options for the explosive guard, Milwaukee could be in play-especially with Kevin Porter Jr. sidelined due to an oblique injury. That opens up a hole in the backcourt that Morant could fill in a big way.
Now, Morant doesn’t come without question marks-on and off the court-but from a pure basketball standpoint, he’s a dynamic playmaker who can shift the tempo and create his own shot. That’s something the Bucks have lacked outside of Giannis. If Milwaukee is serious about salvaging this season, rolling the dice on Morant might be their most aggressive (and possibly most impactful) move.
A Wing Upgrade: Bucks Eyeing a Deal with Brooklyn
Another name floating around the trade market is Michael Porter Jr., and for good reason. He’s a legitimate three-level scorer who can stretch the floor and knock down shots at a high clip. For a Bucks team struggling to find consistent offense, adding someone like Porter could be a game-changer.
But there’s a price. The Bucks still have two first-round picks to work with-valuable chips in any deal-and the question becomes whether they’re willing to part with one (or both) to land a player like Porter. That’s not a small decision, especially with Giannis’ long-term commitment always looming in the background.
And don’t overlook Cam Thomas in this hypothetical package. He’s a microwave scorer who could give Milwaukee instant offense off the bench or even in crunch time. Between Porter’s shooting and Thomas’ scoring punch, this duo could inject some much-needed life into a Bucks offense that’s been stuck in neutral.
Double Down on Guards: LaVine and Westbrook in the Mix?
If Milwaukee is looking to go big, there’s another path-adding not one but two high-profile guards. Zach LaVine and Russell Westbrook are both reportedly available, and both could fill different needs for the Bucks.
LaVine’s game is built on scoring. Even in a down year, he’s still putting up close to 20 points per night and shooting just under 40% from beyond the arc.
He’s not a complete player, but as a No. 2 option next to Giannis? He fits the bill.
Westbrook, meanwhile, could be a stabilizing force off the bench. Say what you want about his shooting, but he still rebounds, facilitates, and brings energy. With Porter Jr. out, Westbrook could be a plug-and-play option to keep the second unit afloat.
Of course, a deal like this would require moving some significant salary, and it might involve a third team-possibly Sacramento, who’s long been linked to Kyle Kuzma. The Kings have reportedly coveted Kuzma for years, and if Milwaukee is the only team showing real interest in LaVine, this could be the opportunity to make something happen.
The Bucks are at a crossroads. Sitting well below .500 and with postseason hopes slipping away, they need more than just a spark-they need a jolt. Whether that comes in the form of a high-risk swing for Ja Morant, a scoring boost from Michael Porter Jr., or a backcourt overhaul featuring LaVine and Westbrook, one thing’s clear: Milwaukee can’t afford to stand still.
The clock’s ticking. Let’s see if the Bucks are ready to make a move that could redefine their season-and maybe their future.