Bucks Eye Ja Morant as Trade Deadline Nears, But Price Tag Could Be a Problem
As the NBA trade deadline creeps closer, the Ja Morant rumor mill is heating up - and the Milwaukee Bucks are right in the thick of it. While both the Bucks and Miami Heat have been floated as potential landing spots for the two-time All-Star, league chatter suggests Miami may be more of a bystander than a serious bidder. Their focus appears to be long-term, with an eye on keeping their books clean for the 2027-28 offseason, when some major names are expected to hit the open market.
That leaves Milwaukee as the team with the most to gain - and arguably the most to lose - in the Morant sweepstakes.
Bucks Feeling the Pressure
Let’s call it what it is: the Bucks are in a tough spot. Sitting at 17-24, with a roster that hasn’t gelled the way they hoped, the pressure is mounting.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has never hidden his desire to contend every year, and Milwaukee’s front office knows that keeping him happy means keeping the team competitive. If things don’t turn around soon, the franchise could be staring down some uncomfortable conversations this summer.
That urgency makes Morant an intriguing target. He’s not a cure-all - far from it.
His defensive limitations and lack of rebounding don’t exactly solve Milwaukee’s biggest issues. But offensively, he’s a dynamic playmaker who could give the Bucks a much-needed jolt, especially when Giannis is off the floor.
More than anything, a move for Morant would be a statement: Milwaukee is still all-in on building around their superstar.
The Cost of Doing Business
Here’s the rub - acquiring Morant won’t come cheap. According to reports, the Grizzlies are asking for Ryan Rollins and a first-round pick in any potential deal.
That’s a steep price for a player who, while undeniably talented, brings his own set of question marks to the table. For a team already short on future assets, Milwaukee can’t afford to overextend itself.
The Bucks need to be careful not to negotiate against themselves. A Morant trade should look more like what Atlanta got in return for Trae Young - another high-usage, undersized guard who had worn out his welcome.
That deal brought back an expiring contract and a young rotation piece. No first-rounders, no franchise-altering sacrifices.
That’s the kind of framework Milwaukee should be targeting if they’re serious about making a move.
Heat Playing the Long Game
As for Miami, they’re in a different boat. They’re holding steady in the East and don’t have the same level of urgency.
Morant would be a luxury, not a necessity. If the price is right, sure - but they’re not about to mortgage their future for a player they don’t absolutely need.
Their front office is playing the long game, and part of that strategy may involve waiting to see what happens with Giannis down the line.
Final Word
The Bucks don’t have that luxury. Their season is slipping, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
A move for Morant might not fix everything, but it would send a clear signal that Milwaukee is still swinging for the fences. The key is making sure they don’t swing too hard and miss.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on how this unfolds as the trade deadline approaches. One thing’s for sure: the Bucks are on the clock.