The Milwaukee Bucks made it official on Thursday: Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t going anywhere ahead of the trade deadline. That puts months of speculation to rest, but it doesn’t mean Milwaukee sat on its hands. The front office stayed active, pulling off a deal with the Phoenix Suns that’s more about rotation depth and financial flexibility than headline-grabbing names.
Here’s what went down: Milwaukee traded Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey to the Suns in exchange for Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis.
Let’s unpack what this means for both sides.
Milwaukee’s Move: Bolstering the Frontcourt
For the Bucks, the key piece here is Nick Richards. The former Hornets big man brings length, athleticism, and rim protection to a Milwaukee team that’s been looking to shore up its interior depth. With Myles Turner entrenched as the starting center, Richards slots in as a reliable backup who can give them quality minutes off the bench.
This isn’t a flashy move, but it’s a smart one. The Bucks didn’t give up much in terms of current production-Cole Anthony hadn’t carved out a consistent role in Milwaukee’s backcourt, and Amir Coffey was largely on the periphery of the rotation. In return, they get a big who can contribute right away and help stabilize the second unit.
There’s also a bigger-picture question looming in Milwaukee: What’s the plan with Giannis? The two-time MVP is currently sidelined with a calf injury, something that’s become a recurring issue in recent seasons.
With the Bucks hovering outside the playoff picture, there’s legitimate chatter about whether they might consider shutting him down to prioritize draft positioning. That’s a conversation for another day, but it’s hanging in the background.
For now, the Bucks added a serviceable piece without giving up much. That’s a win, even if it’s a quiet one.
Phoenix’s Play: Cap Strategy and Backcourt Insurance
On the Suns’ side, this deal looks like a financial play first and foremost. By moving Richards and Hayes-Davis, Phoenix gets under the second tax apron-a significant move for a team already navigating the complexities of the new CBA. Shedding those salaries gives them a bit more breathing room, and in today’s NBA, cap flexibility can be just as valuable as on-court talent.
But they didn’t walk away empty-handed. Cole Anthony, while quiet in Milwaukee, still has some upside.
His time with the Orlando Magic showed flashes of scoring punch-he’s the kind of player who can heat up quickly and swing a game off the bench. With injuries hitting both Devin Booker and Jalen Green this season, the Suns could use another guard who can create his own shot.
Amir Coffey is more of a depth piece, but he brings versatility on the wing and could find minutes in certain matchups.
This isn’t a blockbuster, and it won’t dramatically shift the Western Conference landscape. But for Phoenix, it’s a tidy bit of business-saving money while adding a potentially useful scorer to help navigate the grind of the regular season.
Final Thoughts
No, this trade won’t dominate the headlines. But it’s the kind of move that smart front offices make-targeted, strategic, and rooted in a clear understanding of team needs.
Milwaukee gets a dependable big. Phoenix gets under the tax line and takes a flier on a young guard with scoring chops.
It’s not flashy, but come playoff time-or draft night-these are the kinds of moves that can quietly pay off.