The Milwaukee Bucks won’t trade Giannis Antetokounmpo without a trade demand. For his part, Antetokounmpo seems reluctant, if not unlikely, to make such a request. That’s left the Bucks looking for ways to upgrade their roster around Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee has looked at trading for veteran guards Zach LaVine or Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings. LaVine is making $47.5 million this season, with a $48.9 million player option for next season. Monk’s contract is more easily acquirable, as he’s making $18.8 million this season, with two years and $41.7 million after that. The final season of Monk’s deal is also a player option.
The Bucks have reportedly also held discussion on acquiring Jerami Grant from the Portland Trail Blazers. Grant makes $32 million this season, with $70.6 million owed to him through 2027-28, with the final season being a player option.
Acquiring any player with a sizable salary for Milwaukee would mean sending out multiple players. For example, acquiring LaVine would likely mean sending the Kings multiple players to match salary, or involving a third team to take on salary in a multi-team trade.
A trade with the Blazers would be interesting for the Bucks, as Portland has control of Milwaukee’s first-round picks from 2028 through 2030. The Bucks can’t trade a free and clear first-round pick until 2032.