The Milwaukee Bucks are poised to be among the NBA’s busiest teams as the trade deadline nears. Although rumors of a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade have circulated for over a year, league executives expect the Bucks to pursue additions ahead of Feb. 5, aiming to bolster the roster around their franchise star, according to ESPN.
“Among league executives contacted by ESPN, the Bucks were a near unanimous pick to be major players at the deadline. General manager Jon Horst and his front office’s creativity in stretching assets is well known and, frankly, well respected throughout the league. Horst has canvassed the league in recent weeks for talent at basically any position, again looking to bolster the supporting cast around two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo,” Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst wrote in their article in ESPN.
The Bucks have hit a rough patch, dropping four of their last five games. Sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference at 17-24, the team still appears committed to building around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Even after using much of their trade capital in recent seasons, the Bucks still have enough assets to make a meaningful move. They hold several mid-level contracts to match salaries and can part with a first-round pick in 2031 or 2032, while potentially offering a swap on the pick they keep.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks as contenders
“Milwaukee still has a first-round pick they can trade, and they’re $14 million under the luxury tax. I’ve seen teams make chicken salad with less,” added an Eastern Conference executive according to ESPN.
The Bucks perform an impressive 21 points per 100 possessions better with Antetokounmpo on the floor. That impact keeps Milwaukee optimistic about making a deep playoff push in the wide-open Eastern Conference.
“They’re plus 10 with Giannis on the floor. They’re a straight up dominant team with Giannis on the floor. Their starting five which is relatively new of (Kevin) Porter (AJ) Green, Giannis, (Ryan) Rollins, (Myles) Turner, +59 in 114 minutes. This is the case for the Bucks, to be above in the power rankings and go in the playoffs with a semi-not delusional belief is we have the best player. And when that guy’s on the floor, we’re pretty goddamn good,” Zach Lowe commented in one of his recent podcast episodes.
Even with the team struggling, highlighted by Wednesday’s lopsided loss to a depleted Timberwolves squad where home fans booed and Antetokounmpo returned the jeers, the consensus among most sources is that Milwaukee is far more likely to pursue additions than to consider trading the franchise GOAT.
