The Milwaukee Bucks are entering a pivotal stretch of their season, and the pressure is starting to mount. What began with playoff aspirations has quickly morphed into a battle just to stay afloat in a stacked Eastern Conference. Sitting at 12-18 and currently 11th in the standings, the Bucks are in unfamiliar territory - and with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined due to a right soleus strain, the urgency inside the organization is real.
This isn’t just about weathering a tough stretch or waiting for Giannis to get healthy. It’s about keeping the window open - and that window is starting to close faster than anyone in Milwaukee would like. The front office, led by general manager Jon Horst, appears ready to make a move that signals one thing loud and clear: this team is still trying to win now.
According to league sources, Horst is actively exploring ways to bolster the roster around Giannis and starting center Myles Turner. The Bucks’ search has reportedly led them to Portland, where two names have surfaced as potential trade targets - Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III.
Let’s break down what each of these players could bring to Milwaukee.
Jerami Grant: A Wing Upgrade with Two-Way Impact
Grant would immediately address one of the Bucks’ most glaring issues: offensive firepower on the wing. Without Giannis, Milwaukee has struggled to generate consistent offense, and Grant’s ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor would be a welcome addition. He’s averaging 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists this season - solid numbers that reflect his scoring versatility and playmaking ability.
But it’s not just about buckets. Grant’s defensive versatility - the ability to guard multiple positions and switch across matchups - fits perfectly with Milwaukee’s need for more two-way balance.
He could slide right into the lineup next to Giannis, giving the Bucks a dynamic forward combo that can both score and defend. Most importantly, Grant’s presence would give Giannis more space to operate, unclogging the paint and reducing the need for him to carry the offense every possession.
Robert Williams III: Defensive Anchor with Vertical Pop
While Grant would help on the perimeter, Williams would shore things up inside. The Bucks have lacked a true vertical threat and rim protector outside of Turner, and Williams could fill that void. He’s averaging 6.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks - modest counting stats, but his defensive impact goes well beyond the box score.
Williams brings a level of interior defense and lob-catching ability that Milwaukee simply doesn’t have right now. Pairing him with Turner would give the Bucks a formidable shot-blocking duo, capable of protecting the rim and anchoring the defense against the East’s elite offenses. With Williams in the final year of his contract, Portland may be willing to move him before the trade deadline - especially if the right offer comes along.
A Season on the Brink
This isn’t about tweaking around the edges. The Bucks are staring down a season that could slip away if they don’t act decisively.
They’ve got the talent - when healthy - to compete with anyone in the East. But with Giannis out and the team sliding, the margin for error is razor-thin.
If the front office believes Giannis is still fully bought in, then the message is clear: now is the time to act. Whether it’s Grant, Williams, or another move entirely, Milwaukee needs reinforcements - and fast. Because in today’s NBA, standing still is the quickest way to fall behind.
The Bucks have a generational superstar, a fan base hungry for another title run, and a roster that, with the right additions, could still make noise come spring. But the clock is ticking.