The Milwaukee Bucks have been at the center of trade speculation, with big names like Jimmy Butler and Bradley Beal being floated as potential targets.
But amid all the noise, the Bucks' most sensible trade target isn't a flashy superstar, a scoring wing or a perimeter defender—it’s an athletic big to protect the rim and be a lob threat next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. And the trade market as it currently stands has someone who ticks all those boxes in Robert Williams III.
The Boston Celtics’ former anchor and current Portland Trail Blazer is reportedly available, and if Milwaukee is serious about addressing its glaring weaknesses, they should be laser-focused on acquiring him before the February 6 NBA Trade Deadline.
No trade target plugs Milwaukee's weaknesses the way Time Lord can
While Jimmy Butler and Bradley Beal might bring star power and scoring punch, they aren’t the best fits for the Bucks’ immediate needs. Adding Butler would give Milwaukee another ball-dominant forward who overlaps in some areas with Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Beal, on the other hand, comes with a daunting $50 million-per-year contract that could cripple the team’s flexibility moving forward.
Both players address offensive firepower, but when you have players like Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton, along with a host of 3-point bombers on the bench, offense isn’t where the Bucks are struggling the most from a roster construction standpoint.
The Bucks’ most glaring issue today lies in their defensive identity. Brook Lopez remains a formidable rim deterrent in this association, but at 36 years old, his mobility is waning. Bobby Portis, while energetic and versatile offensively, struggles to defend athletic bigs and protect the rim. Milwaukee's current frontcourt rotation lacks the speed and agility to keep up with modern offenses, particularly in pick-and-roll situations.
Add to that the fact that Doc Rivers likes to play his two lumbering bigs together, and it immediately becomes clear why the Milwaukee Bucks need more athletic options at that position.
That’s where Robert Williams III comes in. Known as “Time Lord,” Williams is the type of athletic, switchable big man the Bucks desperately need. His rim protection, rebounding, and ability to guard in space would perfectly complement Milwaukee’s core, especially alongside Giannis.
Williams has the rare combination of skills that make him a defensive game-changer. At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, he’s an elite shot-blocker who can also switch onto guards and wings without being exploited.
Cleaning the Glass says teams are scoring on four whole effective field goal percentage points fewer whenever Williams is on the floor compared to when he sits. That puts him in the 94th percentile for that statistic among other players in his position. Even in a reduced role with Portland this season, he’s shown flashes of that elite potential, averaging 1.6 blocks and five rebounds in nearly 17 minutes per game.
Additionally, his young age of 27 and relatively manageable contract of around $12 million annually through 2025-26 also make him a long-term solution for the Bucks rather than a short-term rental.
The Bucks and Blazers have recent history following the Damian Lillard trade, which could pave the way for smoother negotiations. Portland, in the midst of a rebuild, has little need for a win-now player like Williams and might be willing to part with him for the right combination of draft capital or young assets.
Adding Williams would allow the Bucks to preserve Lopez for high-leverage moments while injecting much-needed athleticism into their lineup. Imagine a closing lineup of Damian, Khris Middleton, Giannis, Williams, and Lopez—a terrifying combination of size, skill, and defensive versatility.
The Milwaukee Bucks don’t need another high-usage offensive star. They need someone who can bolster their defense, anchor their second unit, and seamlessly integrate into a team with championship aspirations. Robert Williams III checks all those boxes and then some.
While the rumors about Jimmy Butler and Bradley Beal are enticing, the Bucks’ front office would be wise to prioritize fit over flash. And in this case, the perfect fit is an athletic big man from Portland who could quietly turn Milwaukee’s frontcourt into an unstoppable force.
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