Rumors are swirling that the Milwaukee Bucks might be in the market to land a much bigger fish than many initially expected.
Despite the second apron currently hanging over them like a black cloud, this front office will not let that stop them if they think a legitimate upgrade is attainable. However, in that regard, no two targets are the same; some would fit in much better than others. That said, let us analyze and rank three big names the Milwaukee Bucks could pursue before the 2025 NBA Trade Deadline.
3. Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns
There's been a lot of chatter about the Bucks and Bradley Beal, especially after insider Marc Stein mentioned that Milwaukee has been painted as a team more likely to go after him than another big name on this list in Jimmy Butler. Though that report feels more speculative than anything, there is still a legitimate shot the Milwaukee Bucks poke around on what it would take to get Beal.
Beal is currently having one of his least productive seasons to date, averaging 17.5 points and 3.3 assists while shooting 38.5 percent from deep. Those aren't terrible numbers for a third fiddle, but considering he is making over $50 million in each of the next three seasons, there are undoubtedly some concerns regarding whether he's worth gutting a sizeable portion of their roster.
One sizeable issue with Beal is that he'd be an awkward backcourt fit with Damian Lillard due to his lack of defensive prowess. The scoring between these two would be lethal, but who is taking on the tough assignments when it comes to other guards? It just wouldn't make much sense for a team in the market for perimeter defenders or athletic big men above all else.
Many would argue that Khris Middleton is the better fit right now, and he makes $20 million less. Unless the Bucks are getting additional assets, such as draft capital, to take on Beal's monstrous contract, it feels unlikely that they'd make a legitimate play for him, and rightfully so.
2. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
Zach LaVine hasn't been linked to the Bucks in the rumor mill officially, but a few analysts have toyed with the idea of the team adding him. On paper, the fit does make some sense, but the Bucks would run into the same problem as they would with a hypothetical Beal trade, and that's LaVine's defense or lack thereof. He's never been known for his play on that end.
What makes LaVine more appealing than Beal is that he's younger, cheaper, more athletic and simply a better player at this point in time. After spending most of last season injured, LaVine has bounced back in a major way, averaging 23.7 points and 4.6 assists while shooting 45.1 percent from 3-point territory. A third fiddle like that behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard would be electric.
In addition to adding another lethal scorer, this deal would be about getting younger and far more athletic, given this deal centers around moving Khris Middleton. LaVine is three years younger and unquestionably a superior athlete. The latter is important because a lack of athleticism has been a major issue for Milwaukee this season, which prompted their ongoing youth movement.
With LaVine, there are always injury concerns, so this wouldn't be an obvious decision. However, he's been healthy this season, and if the Milwaukee Bucks think he can stay that way, perhaps they do this to add a former All-Star who can make them younger.
1. Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
If the Milwaukee Bucks are going to take a big swing, they might as well swing for the fences with the biggest name on the market currently. Jimmy Butler has made it clear he wants to be traded from the Miami Heat to the Phoenix Suns, but recent reports indicate that he hasn't shut down the idea of the Bucks being a potential suitor for him either.
What makes Butler more captivating than Beal or LaVine is his defense. Though he's 35, Butler is still a strong perimeter defender who can take on the toughest of matchups. When the Bucks face teams like Boston or New York who have talented wings and guards, having a capable stopper like Butler is a necessity, especially in a possible playoff series. They just don't have that right now.
Given Butler's age, trading for him would further cement how all-in the Milwaukee Bucks are on the current roster with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. He wouldn't help them get younger, but he might make them more formidable this season. That trio would possess a lethal combination of offense, defense and playmaking ability that few others across the NBA have.
Although Phoenix remains the likeliest suitor for Butler's services, the Milwaukee Bucks cannot be counted out in the race.
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