Getty
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after making a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Milwaukee Bucks continue to search for ways to stabilize their season and secure the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo, with the franchise reportedly exploring yet another significant roster swing.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Bucks have done “recent due diligence” on Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine, a dynamic scoring threat whom Milwaukee has monitored in the past.
“LaVine… could certainly help several contending teams,” Amick wrote. “League sources confirmed that Milwaukee has done recent due diligence on the 30-year-old guard (and has shown interest in the past).”
Milwaukee has a long history of making aggressive moves whenever Antetokounmpo’s long-term commitment appears uncertain—from the Jrue Holiday trade that propelled the team to the 2021 championship, to the acquisition of Damian Lillard in 2023, and most recently, the summer signing of Myles Turner.
With the team now spiraling, they appear prepared to act again.
LaVine’s Massive Contract and Kings’ Draft Position Complicate Any Deal
GettyMilwaukee is evaluating Zach LaVine as Sacramento weighs major moves, signaling the Bucks’ push to strengthen the roster around Giannis.
Despite the Bucks’ interest, Amick identified major roadblocks in Milwaukee’s pursuit of LaVine.
The two-time All-Star carries one of the league’s largest contracts: $47.4 million this season and a $48.9 million player option for 2025–26. Meanwhile, Sacramento has shown no willingness to attach a first-round pick to move him.
“As of now, [GM Monte] Perry has signaled a commitment to retaining the draft picks that he hopes will play a pivotal part in their rebuild,” Amick wrote. “If that stance remains, then there’s a very real chance that this veteran core — LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk et al — could remain past the deadline.”
LaVine, who starred in Chicago before joining the Kings, is averaging 20.6 points on 48.6% shooting, including a blistering 38.9% from deep on more than seven attempts per game. His perimeter gravity would theoretically complement Antetokounmpo and ease the interior burden he faces nightly.
Internal Conversations With Giannis Spark Trade Speculation
Trade speculation around Antetokounmpo intensified earlier this month following new reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania, who noted that Antetokounmpo, his agent Alex Saratsis, and Bucks leadership recently held “fresh internal discussions” about the direction of the franchise.
Charania wrote on X that “a resolution is expected in the coming weeks.”
The Bucks have dropped 14 of their last 21 games, with Antetokounmpo missing time due to injuries, deepening questions about the roster and its trajectory.
Team officials, however, have pushed back strongly on rumors of a potential trade request.
“Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever. I can’t make that more clear,” head coach Doc Rivers said. “The reason this is out is because we’re not playing well… It’s no more true than it was this summer.”
Tension Has ‘Hung Over’ Bucks Locker Room, per Report
While the Bucks attempt to project calm, Charania reported that the uncertainty surrounding Antetokounmpo has created a “dark cloud” over the locker room.
“My understanding is that the locker room can also feel the tension at play here,” Charania said on NBA Today. “Harder dialogue could occur, depending on how this team shapes up the rest of this month.”
The Bucks face a difficult schedule ahead, with six of their next nine games on the road.
Players Dispute Reports About Giannis Addressing the Team
Conflicting accounts emerged this week on whether Antetokounmpo held a meeting with teammates to address trade speculation.
On NBA TV, Chris Haynes said Giannis spoke to players to emphasize “focusing on basketball” and shutting out external noise.
But teammates Kyle Kuzma and Kevin Porter disputed Haynes’ account.
“I don’t really remember a time he met with us,” Kuzma said. “He didn’t sit us down like the apprentice. It didn’t go down like that.”
Porter also denied the report, calling for patience and perspective.
“Everyone needs to wait until Giannis says something,” Porter said. “All of this is he say, she say. And I guarantee you when we start winning and go 8–0, 9–0, you won’t see nothing about the Bucks.”
Milwaukee Faces Pivotal Stretch as Giannis Recovers
Antetokounmpo remains sidelined with a strained calf, and the Bucks’ season increasingly hinges on their ability to win while he works back into form.
With pressure mounting and internal conversations ongoing, Milwaukee’s flirtation with LaVine may be only the beginning of more dramatic roster evaluations ahead of the trade deadline.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
More Heavy on Bucks
Loading more stories