Neither the Milwaukee Bucks nor the Miami Heat have started the season well following the Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster. The Bucks were expected to struggle and sit at just 1-7. Meanwhile, the Heat are just 3-6 after mortgaging their future to acquire Giannis. It's early, but really, the big winner in the aftermath of the trade has been Portland, who wasn't even involved.
Blazers' control of Bucks' picks looms
The Bucks are still paying the price for the Damian Lillard trade. Portland has first-round pick swap rights with Milwaukee in 2028 and 2030, while having control of the 2029 first. Things are a bit more complicated than that, as the picks are tied up in countless swap scenarios with other teams, but it's clear that the Trail Blazers will likely benefit from Milwaukee's struggles with some pick compensation.
Milwaukee is currently tied for the worst record in the NBA. They haven't been a good team this year, as they were expected to take a step back. There is no light at the end of the tunnel in terms of a high draft pick, either, as New Orleans has control of the Bucks' selection. They have no incentive to lose games, but the losses keep piling up.
Portland must hope it's a while before the Milwaukee Bucks dig themselves out of this hole, especially without a first-round selection in the 2027 NBA Draft. The longer they struggle, the better things get for the Trail Blazers, as they may luck into some legitimate value from those selections. All because Giannis wanted to seek greener pastures—that hasn't worked in his favor thus far.
Bucks need this to be a bump in the road
Though things may be tough to stomach at the moment, the Milwaukee Bucks are actually in a solid spot to get back on the right track in due time.
With a few veteran contracts, including Kyle Kuzma and Caris LeVert, coming off the books, they are projected to have cap space next summer. They also have a sizeable trade exception from the trade with Miami that went untouched last summer. The front office has also started replenishing its draft capital stash through various trades, including the Miami deal and an overlooked one with Detroit.
That goes without mentioning potential-filled rookies in Brayden Burries and Nate Ament, who are already growing rapidly, or a strong head coach in Taylor Jenkins. No one is saying the Bucks will be back in the NBA Finals next season, but if they play their cards right, this could be a smooth rebuild. While it will take time, they have the potential pieces to make the ride easier.
First, they have to see what happens with these picks tied up with the Trail Blazers, though.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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