Despite all of the chatter, the Milwaukee Bucks aren't fully intent on trading Giannis Antetokounmpo before the NBA Trade Deadline. In fact, per NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), they think some good luck in the upcoming draft lottery could help them convince the Greek Freak to stick in town for another go-round. It's a desperate strategy, but it's all Milwaukee has right now.
Bucks would need an unfathomable amount of luck on their side
Currently, per Tankathon's 2026 NBA Draft lottery simulator, Milwaukee is projected to pick eighth in the upcoming draft. Even in a class as loaded as this one, that might not be enough. The Bucks may need the type of luck the Mavericks got last season when they stunningly acquired the first overall pick despite having incredibly low odds.
Right off the bat, it must be noted that Milwaukee cannot acquire the first overall pick in this draft. Atlanta owns the better pick between the Bucks and Pelicans this season due to previous trades. So if the Bucks acquire the first overall selection, it will go to Atlanta, and the Bucks will pick wherever the Pelicans select. Even then, the chance to add someone in the top two to five spots is appealing.
A young player like Cam Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, Kingston Flemmings, or Caleb Wilson could make a world of difference for Milwaukee. This Milwaukee team has been starved of young contributors over the last handful of years, and a premier talent like one of those players would be a great way to start tackling the problem.
Stein also wonders whether or not the pick could help net the Bucks a proven star in any trades if it does indeed fall favorably. That sounds more up Milwaukee's alley, given their poor draft history and desire to chase stars. With how many players have changed teams in the past few days, there is no telling which star players may surprisingly hit the market this summer.
Banking on landing a top pick is flat-out desperate, but no one can fault Milwaukee. No team wants to trade a franchise icon and enter a rebuild with few assets at its disposal. Giannis is Milwaukee. Before Giannis, Bucks fans endured a lot of bad years of basketball. They undoubtedly do not want to endure that again.
Of course, one player isn't changing everything for the Milwaukee Bucks. General Manager Jon Horst would certainly need to do a lot more. Maybe he swings another blockbuster once he gains access to more draft picks. He's known to do that. Perhaps bringing in a new coach gives this team a shot in the arm. Maybe they can find some hidden gem free agents for cheap.
They need to do everything in their power to convince the Greek Freak that they can compete if they truly want him to stay in town.
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