Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

The NBA trade deadline is just over a week away, and there is expected to be all sorts of action taking place across the league. But teams will be watching the Milwaukee Bucks the closest over the next few days, as they gauge what the future holds for star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

*PREDICTION*

Over the summer, many around the NBA speculated that Antetokounmpo could ask out of the organization, following another early playoff exit. Not only have the Bucks not been overly competitive in recent years, but the team doesn’t have a clear future toward real contention around Antetokounmpo.

This could lead him to ask for a trade, or even leave in free agency down the line. Trade rumors around Antetokounmpo have sparked back up as we get closer to the deadline, and there are those around the league who believe he will be moved.

But for now, Antetokounmpo remains loyal to the Bucks and is determined to try to make things work with the organization. With this mindset, the Bucks may look to upgrade the roster around him, giving themselves a better chance to go on a run this season.

Unfortunately for the Bucks, the team doesn’t have too many tradable assets to work with, so the front office will need to be creative in getting deals done. The fate of not only this season, but of Antetokounmpo’s future will be set with how the trade deadline goes for Milwaukee, and the clock is ticking very loudly on this pairing.

Milwaukee Bucks Trade For Malik Monk?

One area that Milwaukee does need to upgrade across the roster is the backcourt, and the team should look no further than the Sacramento Kings for help. Sacramento has been rumored to be undergoing big changes, and most of the roster seems to be available.

The Bucks could look to trade for someone like veteran Malik Monk, who could give them microwave-level scoring. Milwaukee has been searching for a way to trade veteran forward Kyle Kuzma, and the Kings could be a good landing spot for him.

Here is how a deal could look between the two teams:

Milwaukee Bucks receive: Malik Monk and Keon Ellis

Sacramento Kings receive: Kyle Kuzma and a second-round draft pick

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Why Milwaukee Does This

Losing a wing like Kuzma could hurt the Bucks, but adding a scoring guard like Monk certainly helps things, too. Monk is shooting 42.7 percent from beyond the 3-point line, and could be a sniper from deep playing alongside Antetokounmpo.

Ellis brings defense to the table, which is something that the Bucks desperately need going forward. The guard has shown the ability to play some forward as well, giving Milwaukee some needed versatility in lineups.

This could be a last-ditch effort to keep Antetokounmpo happy, and Milwaukee has to do something if it isn’t trading him. Both Monk and Ellis could add to this team, giving the team at least a chance in the wide-open Eastern Conference.

Why Sacramento Does This

For the Kings, getting off the contract of Monk is the real win in this hypothetical deal, which is why the addition of Ellis is included. Milwaukee isn’t going to take on an extra year of salary straight up, so Ellis would be the sweetener for this Bucks team.

Adding Kuzma to the mix could give the Kings a decent scoring option on the wing while helping the Kings with salary relief. Saramento was heavily interested in Kuzma years ago, and this could finally be the chance to bring him to town.

In this deal, Sacramento would also be netting a future draft pick, which could help them down the line. Overall, this would be a solid move for the Kings, and it may help them build back up even sooner, with Kumza being an expiring contract this summer.