It has been a disappointing season thus far for the Milwaukee Bucks as they currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference standings with a 17-22 record.
Of course, Milwaukee was looking to compete for a top seed in the East this season with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way, along with a key free agent signing in Myles Turner.
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Instead, the Bucks have struggled to remain competitive this season, which currently has them sitting outside of the Play-In picture.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34)Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Milwaukee’s struggles have also heated up trade rumors surrounding many players on their roster, including Giannis, though it appears as though the superstar forward is unlikely to be moved ahead of the trade deadline.
While that may be the case, the Bucks may look to move other players on their roster and there have also been reports that they are looking to add more talent alongside Antetokounmpo to upgrade their roster and make a run at a playoff spot this season.
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Bucks May Show Interest in Kings’ Zach LaVine Ahead of Trade Deadline
One player who continues to be linked to the Bucks is Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine, who may be on the move ahead of the trade deadline as the Kings may try to begin a rebuild amid their poor season.
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8)Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
For the Bucks, they may show interest in acquiring LaVine to add another scoring option alongside Giannis and Turner, though acquiring the star guard’s contract could be a major risk.
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Mock Trade Lands Bucks Zach LaVine for Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis
In a potential trade, the Bucks could send Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, Andre Jackson Jr. and draft capital to the Kings in exchange for LaVine.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18)© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While moving on from Kuzma and Portis could be a difficult decision for the Bucks to make, swapping them for LaVine could give them a major boost on the offensive end and it has been reported in the past that Sacramento has shown interest in adding Kuzma to their roster.
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Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVineRick Osentoski-Imagn Images
For LaVine, he is a great scorer who would become one of Milwaukee’s main options on the offensive end and would also take the scoring load off Giannis.
This season, the 30-year-old guard is averaging 19.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 48.4% from the field and 38.8% from three.
Of course, adding LaVine could be a major boost to the Bucks’ offense this season, though it would also be a risky move for them to make due to his massive contract and recent injuries.
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Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8)Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Because of this, Milwaukee may look elsewhere to upgrade their roster ahead of the trade deadline as they have been linked to multiple players, though LaVine may become a key target for them, especially if they are able to acquire him for a cheap price from a desperate Kings team.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.