The Bucks are expected to be buyers ahead of the February trade deadline, with league sources telling Ashish Mathur of DallasHoopsJournal that Milwaukee has interest in Kings guard Zach LaVine and Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant.
The goal is simple. Surround Giannis Antetokounmpo with more talent and stabilize a season that has already gone sideways.
LaVine and Grant share representation under Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, a familiar name in Milwaukee’s front office. Current Bucks Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince are also Klutch clients, and sources say both LaVine and Grant are aware of the team’s interest.
LaVine is averaging 20.2 points this season while shooting 48.7 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three, though he is currently sidelined with an ankle injury. Grant is putting up 20.0 points per game for Portland while dealing with Achilles issues of his own.
Milwaukee sits at 12-18 and outside the playoff picture in the East. Since winning the 2021 title, the franchise has advanced past the first round just once, adding urgency to the situation.
Antetokounmpo, who does not have a no-trade clause, is out with a right calf strain. Sources say the Bucks would only consider moving him if he asks out. Today, the focus is on making moves that convince him to stay.
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