The Milwaukee Bucks and the NBA world was shook to its core on Saturday night/Sunday morning after news broke that the Dallas Mavericks had traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. The full trade details, as reported by Shams Charania, also saw Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris heading from Dallas to Los Angeles and Max Christie (along with a 2029 first round pick) heading to the Mavericks.
BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Three-team deal that includes Utah.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 2, 2025
Another trade, announced before this one, saw former Bucks forward PJ Tucker traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz.
Indeed, the NBA hot stove is heating up with the trade deadline just days away. There will undoubtedly be more more deals done by February 6, and it will not be a surprise if the Bucks are involved in one (or more).
The Milwaukee Bucks Are Aggressively Pursuing Chicago Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine
For weeks, there have been rumblings that Milwaukee is interested in acquiring Chicago Bulls two-time All-Star Zach LaVine. So far this season, LaVine is averaging 24.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 51/45/80 from the floor.
Obviously, these numbers would indicate that he would be an incredible third option alongside Bucks stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
And apparently, Milwaukee is willing to part with Khris Middleton in order to get the deal done:
The Bucks remain in aggressive pursuit of Zach LaVine.
Milwaukee is willing to include Khris Middleton and draft compensation in discussions with the Bulls.
If LaVine indeed ends up in Milwaukee, it will likely happen with multiple facilitating teams involved. pic.twitter.com/ZOuuwpWCvN
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) February 1, 2025
Middleton, who had surgery on both ankles this offseason, is averaging 12.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 50/38/84 from the field.
A Look at the Contract Khris Middleton Signed with the Milwaukee Bucks
The earliest first round pick the Bucks can trade is not until 2031. Many of their upcoming second round picks were already offloaded in the deal that brought Jae Crowder to Milwaukee.
Because they do not have many valuable draft picks they can trade, and due to their standing in the second apron of the NBA luxury tax, the Bucks need to be able to make salaries of current players match in any trade.
Currently, Middleton is making $31 million a season after inking a three-year $93 million extension with Milwaukee in 2023. He has a $34 million player option for next season.
LaVine is currently making $43 million a season after signing a five-year $215 million contract with the Bulls in 2022. He will make $46 million next year and has a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
Obviously, in order to make the trade work, the Bucks would have to part ways with another player as well. This could end up being Bobby Portis or Brook Lopez, though the last few games have shown how bad Milwaukee’s front court depth is without Portis.
More Milwaukee Bucks News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Speaks Up on Bobby Portis Role as Backup Big Set to Miss 5th Straight Game
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Reacts to Stunning Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis Trade
- 2021 Bucks Champ Traded by Los Angeles Clippers to Utah Jazz
- Bucks’ Brook Lopez Says This New Giannis Skill as Made Him Unguardable
- “Enough Is Enough;” Giannis Breaks Silence on Tense Interaction with Chris Paul
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