"They've thought about everyone," a rival NBA executive told insider Jake Fischer when asked about the Milwaukee Bucks' trade deadline plans. Bucks fans have heard this story before. Leading up to the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, analyst Brian Windhorst offered a similar sentiment. "I was talking to a team just last night where they have been talking with Milwaukee, and they were like, 'They must have dozens of trade scenarios they have been pitching. Trying three-way deals, all kinds of stuff.’"
Just because a team is rumored to be aggressive on the market doesn't indicate that a major splash is coming. Bucks fans learned this lesson the hard way back in 2024. Now, the question is whether the team will repeat history or turn over a new leaf at this year's deadline.
Bucks are being aggressive, but there's no telling how things go
A significant move felt inevitable in 2024. There was too much smoke surrounding Milwaukee's desire to upgrade the roster, and where there's smoke, there is often fire. What did they end up doing? They traded Cameron Payne and a second-rounder for Patrick Beverley and sent Robin Lopez packing as a salary dump. That was it. Given all of the hype that had been built, it was a letdown.
One could argue the hype is even greater right now, especially considering where the team sits in the standings at the moment. They need a shakeup to dig themselves out of their current predicament, and every report suggests that they are chasing one. Naturally, Milwaukee Bucks fans are excited, but there's always the possibility that things turn out just as they did in 2024.
The current rumor mill is full of stars. If the Milwaukee Bucks are determined to make a major move, there are plenty of names there for the taking. Anthony Davis, Zach LaVine, and Ja Morant are just a few rumored to be available names, and the Bucks have been linked to all of them. It wouldn't be too shocking to see any of them in green soon.
What will determine exactly how far the Milwaukee Bucks go in trade talks is how willing they are to entertain trading their 2031 or 2032 first-round pick. Those are undoubtedly a pair of prized picks that will be in demand. However, the Bucks are already short on picks, so they cannot afford to simply give them away. If they are on the table, the Bucks need to get someone who can move the needle.
The Milwaukee Bucks will be under a microscope over the next few weeks. Everyone is keeping an eye on them now that Giannis Antetokounmpo reaffirmed his commitment publicly, giving them the green light to spend big without worrying about his short-term future.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.