The Milwaukee Bucks have a dilemma. General manager Jon Horst has expressed his intention to add a big piece at the trade deadline. At the same time, he has limited assets to work with. The Bucks have only one tradeable first-round pick, either their 2031 or 2032 selection. Accordingly, The Athletic's Sam Amick reports that the team remains reluctant to make the pick available in trade talks.
The Bucks can't afford to cave to pressure and burn their only bullet on a reckless move. Keeping a tight fist around their coveted draft capital is the right thing to do.
Bucks can't spend their golden ticket on three magic beans
In reality, that pick is likely far from untouchable. Horst has shown time and again that he is willing to pull out all the stops for an aggressive swing in the trade market. If the Bucks uncork their only dart at the 2026 trade deadline, though, they better hit the bullseye.
The Nets' Michael Porter Jr. is one target for whom expending the pick could make sense. The rangy forward is averaging 25.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assist on 48/40/85 splits. Trading for Porter is a move that would actually move the needle.
Other than that, there are few compelling candidates in the market. If Horst can't snag Porter, he's better off holding onto the pick at until the summer. Then, the Bucks will have three tradeable firsts: their 2026, 2031, and 2033 picks. If they want to swing for the fences, that would be the time to do it.
If they can't help themselves, there is an avenue to add talent by absorbing unwanted salaries at a buy-low price point. Trading for Zach LaVine or Ja Morant might not be advisable in the first place, but what the Bucks can't do is throw away a pick worth its weight in gold on a player in their tier.
The same goes for Miles Bridges, for whom the Hornets want at least one, possibly two first-rounders. All three of those names are one-sided, defensively vulnerable players who probably would not make much of a difference in the end.
Alternatively, Horst could play it uncharacteristically conservative and add around the edges in hopes that some minor moves could help steer the Bucks back on track.
Giannis Antetokounmpo might not like the sound of that, but what happens when they use that pick to bring in a player who can't ultimately turn the tide, leading to the same frustrating result at season's end? Giannis won't be happy then, either, and if he decides against an extension in Milwaukee, the Bucks will be down a valuable building block for their post-Giannis future.
They can't let deadline vultures prey on their desperation to steal that 2031 first like taking candy from a baby. Do what you've been doing, Horst. Keep that pick under lock and key until the right opportunity arises.