The Milwaukee Bucks are interested in trading for Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine, Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins, Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges and Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant, NBA sources told DallasHoopsJournal.
The Bucks are “desperately” trying to acquire more talent around Giannis Antetokounmpo, sources said.
Despite Antetokounmpo averaging 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, Milwaukee is only 17-24. If the regular season ended today, the Bucks wouldn’t even be in the NBA play-in tournament.
LaVine, Bridges and Grant are represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group. The superagent is aware that the Bucks are interested in three of his clients, sources said. Paul already has two clients in Milwaukee: Taurean Prince and Gary Trent Jr.
Morant and the Grizzlies have mutual interest in parting ways, sources said. A two-time All-Star, Morant “hates” playing for Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo, sources said. The point guard is not a fan of Iisalo’s strategy of playing lineups in short shifts and then mass substituting, sources said. It has prevented Morant from getting his legs underneath him and developing a rhythm on the court.
The Heat have been gauging the trade market for Wiggins, sources said. Miami, led by Hall of Famer Pat Riley, has interest in Morant and Antetokounmpo, sources said. The Bucks, of course, won’t trade Antetokounmpo unless the two-time MVP requests a trade.
Morant is making $39.4 million this season, LaVine is making $47.5 million, Wiggins is making $28.2 million, Bridges is making $25 million and Grant is making $32 million. LaVine and Wiggins have player options for next season.
Since winning the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns, the Bucks have won just one playoff series. They have lost in the first round of the playoffs three years in a row.
The 2026 NBA trade deadline is February 5 at 3 p.m. ET. It will be fascinating to see if Milwaukee can upgrade its roster around Antetokounmpo.