The Milwaukee Bucks have the ability to trade a first-round pick in either 2031 or 2031, but unless a clear-cut difference-maker hits the market, they are likely staying put. Per ESPN's Jamal Collier, the Bucks have not entertained trading a first-rounder over the past year, and that likely won't change as things currently stand. That could change if a big name suddenly becomes attainable, though.
The Bucks rightfully holding draft picks close
Both of those picks hold incredible value. With so much uncertainty surrounding the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo at this very moment, there's no telling how this team will look in five to six years from now. If teams can't get their hands on Giannis, they'd sure love to acquire those picks and hope that the Bucks implode by then. That's why Milwaukee must be extremely careful.
Trading away either of those picks and losing Giannis could set them back even further, dimming their future mightily.
As Collier mentioned, the three names linked to the Milwaukee Bucks in trade rumors at the moment are Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, and Jerami Grant. Milwaukee's first-round pick shouldn't come up in any trade discussions involving those three. With all due respect, none of those three names hold the title of superstar that would justify moving either the 2031 or 2032 pick.
Instead, the Bucks making a play without either pick on the table feels far more likely. As pointed out by Collier, if Milwaukee holds onto those firsts now, they will have three tradeable first-rounders when the NBA Draft rolls around. That would give them significantly more ammunition to retool the roster in the summer when deals are more frequent.
There is plenty of time before the NBA Trade Deadline. It's not even January yet, and a handful of big name players, such as Trae Young, Ja Morant, and Anthony Davis, among others, have already all hit the market via rumors. There is no telling who could become available over the next month or so. The Bucks have time, especially if they can start stringing together some wins.
If no superstar hits the market, the Bucks will likely look to make a trade built around Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, and other minimum contracts. Sure, it's not overly flashy, but there's a chance they could get a team to bite. If they believe it will help them keep Giannis happy and put this team in a position to contend more than they can as constructed, they must pounce on it.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.