Just as the dust settled from a seismic Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, the Milwaukee Bucks have made another deal—though not as massive. Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the Bucks are trading Taurean Prince and Gary Harris to the Detroit Pistons for Caris LeVert and two second-rounders. While it might not look like much, this is a solid deal for Milwaukee all-around.
The Detroit Pistons are trading Caris LeVert and two second-round picks to the Milwaukee Bucks for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris, sources tell ESPN. Pistons will create a trade exception from the deal and savings while Bucks acquire LeVert and pick up assets. pic.twitter.com/J615WaNmGA
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 7, 2026
Bucks' latest trade does many things
Right off the bat, getting two second-round picks for a pair of veterans who weren't likely key factors in Milwaukee's impending plans is a win. Some theorized that Milwaukee could be inclined to waive one of the two—likely Harris—to fix their roster crunch and whittle down this current group. Instead, they just got a pair of solid picks to part with both.
The Milwaukee Bucks also just gave themselves another very tradable contract. LeVert is set to play out the 2026-27 season on an expiring $14.8 million deal. Paired with Kyle Kuzma's $20.5 million deal that also expires after the season, the Bucks suddenly have more easily movable salary to utilize if a target they like surfaces.
If the Bucks decide to keep LeVert, there is also a strong argument to be made that they landed the best player in this deal. Despite a down year with the Pistons, LeVert has been a reliable contributor throughout his career and has the most upside of any of the three at this point in time after Harris wasn't in the Bucks' rotation while Prince missed most of the year due to neck surgery.
It wasn't just a win for the Milwaukee Bucks, as the Pistons also saved some money and earned a nice trade exception, but Milwaukee still has the edge here.
Bucks' retooling is off to a nice start
Since moving on from Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks have drafted Brayden Burries and Nate Ament, re-signed Ousmane Dieng, signed Bogoljub Markovic, traded for Caris LeVert, and acquired an assortment of players from the Miami Heat. No one is saying they will be representing the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals next season, but this is a solid young group.
There is no telling if LeVert has a long-term future in the 414, but there is no denying that the Bucks will welcome this trade either way. Now, the prominent question is how they plan to follow it up.
Welcome to Milwaukee, Caris LeVert!
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