Why the Bucks Should Think Twice Before Moving Ryan Rollins in Any Ja Morant Deal
Ryan Rollins is in the middle of a rough patch-there’s no sugarcoating it. Over his last four games, the young guard has looked out of rhythm, averaging just 7.3 points, four assists, and half a steal per game while shooting an ice-cold 22.7% from the field.
His three-point percentage? A brutal 13.6%.
For a player who was turning heads earlier this season, it’s been a noticeable drop-off.
But here’s the thing: slumps happen-especially to young players stepping into a bigger role for the first time. And for the Milwaukee Bucks, hitting the panic button on Rollins now would be a mistake.
Rollins Has Already Shown What He Can Be
Before this recent slide, Rollins was averaging 17 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting an impressive 47.4% from the floor and 41.2% from deep. That’s not just solid production-that’s the kind of stat line that makes front offices take notice. He was efficient, confident, and playing with a poise that belied his 23 years.
So, does a four-game slump erase all of that? Not if you're looking at the full picture.
Rollins is still developing, and growing pains are part of the process. What he’s shown over a larger sample size is that he can contribute meaningfully on both ends of the floor.
On a Bucks team that has long struggled to develop and retain young talent, that’s not something to take lightly.
The Ja Morant Rumors: Tempting, But Risky
According to reports, the Memphis Grizzlies are interested in Rollins as part of any potential deal involving Ja Morant. On the surface, that’s the kind of headline that grabs attention.
Morant is a former All-Star with jaw-dropping athleticism and undeniable star power. But dig a little deeper, and the fit becomes far less clear.
Morant is averaging just 19 points per game this season-his second-lowest mark since entering the league-and his three-point shooting has been historically poor. Add to that the fact that he’s only played in 18 games due to injury, and you start to see the red flags. For a Bucks team already battling injuries and trying to convince Giannis Antetokounmpo that this season is salvageable, adding another health question mark feels like a gamble with high downside.
Rollins Offers Value Beyond the Box Score
Beyond the stats, Rollins represents something the Bucks have been missing: a young, controllable asset with upside. His contract is one of the best values in the league, giving Milwaukee flexibility in a cap-strapped era. And while he’s not the finished product, he’s shown flashes of being a two-way contributor who can grow into a bigger role.
That’s not to say Rollins is untouchable. If Milwaukee is offered a true game-changer-a player who clearly raises the ceiling of this team-then yes, you listen. But Morant, given his current production and availability issues, doesn’t check that box right now.
The Bottom Line
The Bucks are in a tough spot. They’re trying to right the ship in a season that hasn’t gone according to plan, and the pressure to make a move is real. But trading away one of their few promising young pieces for a high-risk return isn’t the answer.
Rollins may be struggling at the moment, but the upside is still there. And in a league that rewards patience and player development just as much as splashy trades, Milwaukee would be wise to hold firm-at least for now.
If a deal for Morant can be made without including Rollins, it’s a conversation worth having. But if Rollins is the price, the Bucks should think long and hard before pulling the trigger.