3 Desperate Trades The Bucks Must Explore As The Giannis Antetokounmpo Situation Comes To A Head

The Milwaukee Bucks they know they are in a race against a timer convince Giannis Antetokounmpo to commit to his long-term future in Cream City. Antetokounmpo has long looked like a player who would choose to stick with one team for his entire career, through all the ups and downs, but with the Bucks looking so far and away from a true contender and Antetokounmpo still at the peak of his powers, no one can blame him if his eyes wander.

Rumor has it Antetokounmpo is interested in a potential move to the New York Knicksthough many reports suggest the Bucks star is tired of all the rumors swirling around his name.

That, however, does not dispute anything. And with the Bucks lacking the players they need to compete, even in the wide-open Eastern Conference, no one should blame him if he decides to go elsewhere when his contract expires in 2027 — or maybe even ask for a trade for his last act of good for the Bucks franchise (instead of losing him for nothing in free agency).

The Bucks, however, does not give up their franchise cornerstone without a fight. Having a true superstar to build around is more than half the battle in the quest to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy, and it looks like Milwaukee will search every nook and cranny for a solution just to keep Antetokounmpo.

However, their resources are limited. But that doesn’t mean they can’t dream anymore. Here are three desperation trades the Bucks need to explore as Antetokounmpo’s eyes are in danger of wandering.

Bucks throw up a Hail Mary for Kawhi Leonard

Bucks take: Kawhi Leonard, Brook Lopez, Chris Paul

Clippers Acquire: Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma, Ryan Rollins, 2031 Unprotected First Round Pick (MIL)

(Trade is legal on January 15, 2026)

Leonard is no longer the player he once was. It has declined considerably; he doesn’t have the foot speed or lift that he had just three years ago, and as a result, the shots he takes are harder than ever. But it’s a testament to his evergreen shooting ability that he’s still one of the best scorers in the league, scoring over 25 points a night on 49/37/97.

For what it’s worth, The Los Angeles Clippers built their franchise on Leonard’s shoulders since 2019, and it’s clear that ownership considers him one of the best players in the league. That may have been true in the past, but Leonard’s presence doesn’t even lead to wins for LA anymore. They’re sort of 6-20 on the season, and they might as well carry the first pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder next year.

But the Bucks aren’t exactly in a position to be picky. The Clippers are at the bottom and may be looking for a way out of this era of basketball for them that has sown so much hope but reaped so little in the way of playoff success. And Leonard, who is making over $50 million over the next two seasons, may become available in the trade at a reduced price.

At this point, Leonard is no longer a floor lifter, but a ceiling lifter for a Bucks team that one would think would have to put together an incredible playoff run just to convince Antetokounmpo to stay. And he’s been very healthy lately, racking up heavy minutes and even back-to-back games for the Clippers.

The loss of Kuzma seems inevitable, while pulling back on the Turner experiment could do all parties involved good. Changing Rollins away might be painful, but the appearance of Kevin Porter Jr. makes that loss hurt less. Trading a 2031 first-round pick could bite them, but acquiring an All-Star-caliber player won’t come cheap — even one as much of an injury risk as Leonard.

The Clippers will trade Lopez back to the Bucks, while Chris Paul will come in as a veteran who can help set the tone and fill in for the backup point guard left behind by Rollins’ departure.

Zach LaVine flees Sacramento riots

Bucks pick up: Zach LaVine

Kings acquire: Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma, UTA 2026 second-round pick (31-55 protected)

The Kings tried to acquire LaVine in the trade that sent De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs, and of course it was a mistake. LaVine has since been overshadowed by a host of other players in the Kings backcourt; he played just 16 minutes in his last game, a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Lavin must be very frustrated with his current situation, and no one can blame him. Exchange from Sacramento makes the most sense, but with average salary of $48.25 million over the next two seasons they will be hard pressed to find a legitimate suitor except for the most desperate. Enter Bucks.

There is no way to The Bucks would like to trade any of their first-round picks for LaVinenot when they face this much uncertainty about Antetokounmpo. LaVine is a talented three-point shooter, but he’s not a needleman — time has shown him to be.

Perhaps the Kings could target one of the Bucks’ young, up-and-coming guards in Porter and Rollins, but the last thing the team needs is another guard.

The Kings have so many holes in their frontcourt, especially with the injury to Domantas Sabonis, that it might make sense to target Turner and Kuzma. Turner is in the midst of a down season, but he’s a shot blocker who will always have value in the league. Sacramento previously had interest in Kuzma.

Turner could then be a trade asset for the Kings, or he could become their starting center if they trade Sabonis.

Is Trae Young ever a trade option?

Bucks take over: Trae Young

Hawks acquire: Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., 2027 MIL first round pick, 2031 MIL first round trade, 2032 MIL first round

This is the most unlikely trade of the three, as there is no way the Atlanta Hawks would want to trade Young without getting a bigger star in return. They certainly do would like Antetokounmpo in any trade with Young included, so that should rule out the possibility of this doozie.

But the Luka Doncic trade showed that nothing is impossible in today’s NBA. If the Bucks get really desperate, then acquiring Young, an All-Star point guard who would run the pick-and-roll to perfection with Antetokounmpo, could become an option.

Young is a miles better playmaker than Damian Lillard ever was, which should lead to much easier points for Antetokounmpo. Surrounding Young with solid defenders is necessary, however, and it’s not entirely clear that the Bucks have enough defenders to do so. Still, the talent Young possesses is clear.

however, his contract is just running until the end of the 2026-27 season (that is if he takes up his player option). His contract is aligned with Antetokounmpo’s, and that might not be a risk the Bucks would be willing to take.

The Hawks may end up laughing at the offer, but with Kristaps Porzingis battling a chronic illness, having another battle-tested spacing center could be helpful in their quest for a deep playoff run. Porter would be an incredible playmaker off the bench. A first-round pick could be golden for Atlanta if the Bucks continue on the downward trajectory they are currently on.