The Milwaukee Bucks are interested in trading for Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine and Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant, NBA sources told DallasHoopsJournal.
The Bucks will be “buyers” at the NBA trade deadline, as they want to surround Giannis Antetokounmpo with more talent, sources said.
LaVine and Grant have the same agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group. The Bucks have a history of doing business with Paul and current players Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince are represented by the Klutch Sports Group CEO.
LaVine is making $47.5 million this season, while Grant is making $32 million. Both veterans are aware that the Bucks are interested in trading for them, sources said.
For the Kings, LaVine is averaging 20.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game this season while shooting 48.7% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line. The two-time All-Star is currently out with an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Grant is averaging 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game for the Trail Blazers while shooting 43.6% overall, 38.9% from 3 and 86.6% from the foul line. He’s currently dealing with an Achilles ailment.
The Bucks are 12-18. They are in 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Since winning the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee has won just one playoff series.
Before the season, Antetokounmpo requested a trade and wanted to be traded to the New York Knicks, sources said. However, Milwaukee and New York didn’t agree to a deal.
A top 75 player of all time, Antetokounmpo is making $54.1 million this season. He has a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 season. The power forward doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
It’s unknown when Antetokounmpo will return to the Bucks’ lineup. He’s currently out with a right calf strain.
Milwaukee will only trade Antetokounmpo if he requests a trade again. For now, the franchise is trying to make moves to convince Antetokounmpo to stay, sources said.