As the NBA trade deadline creeps closer, the Milwaukee Bucks are once again in the thick of the rumor mill-and this time, it’s not just about protecting their core, but potentially reshaping it.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined since early December due to a soleus injury, Milwaukee has been treading water. Their 12-18 record has them sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference, a far cry from where they expected to be after acquiring Damian Lillard in a blockbuster move earlier this year. And while Giannis has publicly emphasized staying focused on the season and tuning out the noise, the Bucks' front office may be hearing it loud and clear.
There’s growing chatter that Milwaukee could be eyeing a significant roster shakeup before the deadline. According to league insiders, the Bucks are exploring a trade that could bring in both Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III from the Portland Trail Blazers-a move that would bolster the roster on both ends of the floor.
The Bucks and Blazers already have a working relationship thanks to the Lillard deal, and it appears that connection could be reignited. Grant, currently averaging 20 points per game, would bring scoring punch and defensive versatility on the wing-potentially serving as an upgrade over Kyle Kuzma, who’s been floated as part of a possible trade package. Meanwhile, Williams, known for his rim protection and interior presence, could offer a defensive edge that Bobby Portis hasn’t consistently provided this season.
Milwaukee reportedly has the cap flexibility to make such a deal work, with a combination of contracts-like Portis, Kuzma, and a smaller deal-giving them the financial tools to make a two-player acquisition feasible. It's the kind of aggressive, win-now move that aligns with the Bucks' timeline as they look to maximize the Giannis-Lillard window.
But the Bucks aren’t stopping there. They’ve also been linked to other potential trade targets, including Washington’s Corey Kispert and Miami’s Andrew Wiggins. While these names don’t carry the same weight as Grant or Williams, they represent the kind of depth and two-way potential Milwaukee could use as they try to stabilize a season that’s teetering off course.
The reality is this: Milwaukee can’t afford to wait. With Giannis out, their margin for error is razor-thin.
And even when he returns, the Eastern Conference is too competitive to assume that things will simply click into place. The Bucks need help-and if they want to make a serious postseason run, the trade deadline may be their best shot at finding it.
Whether it’s Grant and Williams, or another combination of players, expect Milwaukee to be active. The clock is ticking, and the Bucks know that the window to contend is open-but it won’t stay that way forever.