The Milwaukee Bucks have shifted their approach at the trade deadline, messaging to rival teams that they want to be buyers rather than sellers despite an 11-16 record. The franchise is pursuing moves to strengthen Giannis Antetokounmpo’s supporting cast, even without a clear return-from-injury timetable for their star forward.
After repeatedly telling teams that Antetokounmpo is not available, Milwaukee is now signaling a different direction. One rival general manager said the Bucks have convinced him “they’re going big-game hunting” to assemble a contender in the wide-open Eastern Conference.
The Bucks have revisited the prospect of pursuing Zach LaVine of the Sacramento Kings. Milwaukee needs wing depth between Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner, making LaVine an attractive option despite his expensive contract.
The team’s lack of draft capital limits their options. Milwaukee does not have an unencumbered first-round pick to trade until 2031, meaning their only path to acquiring talent involves taking on significant contracts.
Portland Trail Blazers swingman Jerami Grant has also been on Milwaukee’s radar both this season and previously. Grant has two years remaining on his deal worth just over $70 million after this season, and Portland already controls Milwaukee’s first-round picks in 2028, 2029, and 2030 from the Damian Lillard trade.
Other players Milwaukee has shown interest in include Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat and Dejounte Murray of the New Orleans Pelicans. The Bucks regularly called about Wiggins during his Golden State Warriors tenure and were interested in Murray before his trade to New Orleans.
Murray has not played since late January 2025 due to a torn Achilles. New Orleans hopes he could return next month.
Marcus Smart is another defensive-minded guard Milwaukee has explored, though the Los Angeles Lakers are unlikely to make him available after acquiring him via the buyout market in the offseason.
Rival teams continue to believe Milwaukee’s best option is proactively trading Antetokounmpo before his situation grows more complicated. One decision-maker described the current dynamic as “a staring contest” between the Bucks and interested teams.
Some teams wonder if Milwaukee’s resistance stems from concerns that Antetokounmpo’s trade market would not be as robust as anticipated. Antetokounmpo has not formally requested a trade and cannot become a free agent until 2027.