The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off their third consecutive first-round playoff exit and they are looking to turn things around this season with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way.
Of course, Giannis was the headline for most of the offseason as many around the NBA expected the superstar forward to demand a trade with Milwaukee’s struggles.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Despite this, the star forward will remain in Milwaukee to begin the season as the Bucks try to bounce back after last season’s disappointing ending.
For the Bucks, they did make some key moves this offseason as they waived Damian Lillard in order to sign Myles Turner in free agency, re-signed Bobby Portis and allowed Brook Lopez to leave in free agency.
With these moves, the Bucks are looking to compete for a top seed in the East this season while also proving to Giannis that they are still a contender, which may cause them to try and make some moves ahead of the trade deadline.
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If that is the case, Milwaukee could target these three players.
Jrue Holiday
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4).© Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Jrue Holiday was an important piece to Milwaukee’s championship run in 2021 and with him being traded from the Boston Celtics to the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason, he could become available again ahead of the trade deadline.
If that is the case, the Bucks could look to reunite with the veteran guard, especially with them in desperate need of a starting point guard this season.
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Despite this, it may be difficult for the Bucks to match salaries to pull off a trade for Holiday and they may also hold off due to his slight decline over the past few seasons.
Khris Middleton
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) is greeted by forward Bobby Portis (9Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Like Holiday, Khris Middleton was also a key piece of Milwaukee’s championship run in 2021, though they did trade him to the Washington Wizards last season for Kyle Kuzma in a trade that has not worked out too well.
Because of this, Milwaukee could look to reunite with Middleton this season as he would give them a great scoring forward that they could use in their starting lineup.
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While that may be the case, it would be difficult for the Bucks to match salaries to acquire Middleton and they could also hold off due to his decline in play last season.
Collin Sexton
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2)© Russell Lansford-Imagn Images
The Bucks are in desperate need of scorers alongside Giannis and adding Collin Sexton could be a solid move for them.
Of course, Sexton was traded from the Utah Jazz to the Charlotte Hornets this offseason but Charlotte may be willing to part with him, which could open the door for the Bucks to acquire him.
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The 26-year-old guard is a great scorer who would give the Bucks’ rotation a major boost offensively, though he does struggle on the defensive end.
While the Bucks could target these three players, they could also look elsewhere to bolster their lineup as they try to not only secure a top spot in the East, but also keep Giannis in Milwaukee.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.