While some teams flirted with the idea of trading for Ja Morant, the Milwaukee Bucks had a genuine interest in getting the guard before the deadline. That much was confirmed by insider Jake Fischer (subscription required) in the latest dispatch of The Stein Line. Fischer wondered whether that was due to them wanting to pair Morant with Antetokounmpo or have him as the franchise successor.
Given how much smoke there was surrounding Giannis potentially getting traded mid-season, perhaps the Bucks felt like they needed to either swing for the fences on another star or land a replacement for their own. Ultimately, Milwaukee's interest in Morant was shelved, and it's almost certainly going to reappear in the summer.
Bucks' Ja Morant interest could go many different directions
The Milwaukee Bucks, publicly, at least, continue to make it clear that they don't want to trade away Giannis Antetokounmpo. As much as they voice their intent to keep him until the wheels fall off, the team was listening to offers on their star leading up to the deadline like never before, as reported by Fischer. Even if slim, there was a chance he could have been moved.
A trade for Ja Morant could have accomplished one of two things.
On one hand, perhaps bringing in a flashy guard with name recognition would have been further proof to Giannis that this team is committed to contending. In past years, that has been the recipe to get him to sign the dotted line on an extension, as evidenced by Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard. Trading for Morant might not have had the same immediate impact, but it would have been a proper step.
On the other, if the Milwaukee Bucks moved on from their superstar and still traded for Morant, they'd start a retool/rebuild with a big name already on the roster. Even if he's having a down year, mainly due to an assortment of injuries, Morant is still a two-time All-Star and All-NBA player. At 26, he is still far from over the hill and has plenty of time for a bounce-back.
If the Milwaukee Bucks were to commit to a rebuild, Ja Morant would be a fine redemption project.
In a few months, no matter how Milwaukee's season ends, these rumors are bound to pop up again. When the Bucks like a target, they keep tabs on them. As they aim to sort out Giannis' future, they will almost certainly make a play at Morant once again, especially if they can get him at a discount.
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