The Milwaukee Bucks are back in the contender conversation after shaking off a rough start to the 2024-25 NBA season. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard anchoring the team, the Bucks possess a star-studded core.
Still, cracks in their roster have left them searching for the final piece to solidify their championship aspirations. As the February trade deadline approaches, Milwaukee finds itself at a crossroads—should they push all their chips to the center of the table or opt for calculated adjustments to their roster?
This season has proven the Bucks’ need for a consistent third option, improved defensive versatility, and depth to withstand the rigors of a playoff run. Whether targeting an elite scorer, a versatile wing, or a key rotation piece, Milwaukee’s front office is weighing its options to maximize its title window. Let’s break down Milwaukee’s trade targets by priority.
Primary – Bradley Beal, Zach LaVine
The Bucks’ window to win another championship is now, and Bradley Beal represents the type of elite scorer they might need. It is no wonder the rumors of the Bucks looking at Beal have been rampant because the team needs an upgrade over the ailing Khris Middleton.
Luckily for the Bucks, Beal could be willing to waive his no-trade clause to get a chance to join the Bucks. The shooting guard is averaging 17.1 points per game on 48.5% shooting this season while maintaining a 38.6% clip from beyond the arc despite being relegated to the bench with the struggling Phoenix Suns.
Beal’s ability to create his own shot and deliver in clutch moments would ease the offensive load on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. The Suns are clearly going all-in for Jimmy Butler, making Beal an attainable target. It won’t be easy for the Bucks to acquire Beal but expect a trade involving three or four teams that includes Khris Middleton and some draft assets to be involved.
Zach LaVine, meanwhile, provides a younger, more athletic alternative to Beal. Averaging 24.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists this season, LaVine has proven he can be a reliable offensive centerpiece. His perimeter shooting and ability to play off the ball make him a seamless fit next to Giannis and Dame.
Chicago is likely heading toward a retool, and Milwaukee could offer Middleton, Pat Connaughton, and draft capital to secure LaVine’s services. Both Beal and LaVine represent the type of high-upside swing that could elevate Milwaukee to the league’s elite tier.
Secondary – Brandon Ingram, Bruce Brown, Jonas Valanciunas
If the Bucks can’t secure one of their primary targets, Brandon Ingram offers a versatile consolation prize. The 6’9” forward is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists this season, showcasing his ability to score and facilitate at a high level. Ingram’s length and scoring touch would complement Giannis perfectly, giving the Bucks a third offensive star.
The Pelicans may be open to moving Ingram as they continue to evaluate Zion Williamson’s future. A package including Middleton, Bobby Portis, and a future first-rounder could make this happen. The Pelicans might be ready to engage in a fire sale, so the Bucks have to remain aware. The only reason Ingram remains a secondary priority is because it might be difficult to nab a 27-year-old former All-Star in his prime.
Bruce Brown might not have the star power of the others, but his championship pedigree and versatility make him a high-value target. Averaging 8.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and shooting 36.8% from three in only 10 appearances this season, Brown is the kind of two-way wing every contender craves, when he is healthy of course. Adding Brown to Milwaukee’s rotation (possibly at Khris Middleton’s expense) could unlock a more balanced lineup.
Jonas Valanciunas offers a more traditional approach. Averaging 11.6 points and 8.2 rebounds this season, he would give Milwaukee a reliable low-post presence and much-needed size in a conference featuring Kristaps Porzingis, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Acquiring Valanciunas would likely require moving Portis and a couple of second-round picks, a fair price for bolstering Milwaukee’s frontcourt.
Avoid – CJ McCollum, Kyle Kuzma, Collin Sexton
The Bucks need impactful players who elevate their championship ceiling, and CJ McCollum isn’t that guy. While he’s still capable of putting up numbers (22.4 points and 3.8 assists this season), McCollum’s defensive liabilities and aging profile don’t align with Milwaukee’s needs. Giving up valuable assets for a player whose best years are behind him would be a mistake. Not to mention, the prime duo of Lillard and McCollum did not work in Portland when it came to making the NBA Finals, so an aging version won’t either.
Kyle Kuzma is another player Milwaukee should steer clear of. Although he’s averaging 14.3 points and 5.4 rebounds this season, his inconsistency and penchant for inefficient shooting (25.7% 3-PT FG) make him a poor fit for a team aiming for a deep playoff run. Kuzma thrives on bad teams where he can dominate the ball, not in a structured, championship-caliber system because he has been “the guy” on the Wizards and it might be hard for him to revert back to the role he played on the Lakers in 2019-20.
Collin Sexton might seem like a spark plug option, but his lack of playmaking and defensive prowess renders him redundant on a roster already stacked with guards. Sexton’s 18.3 points per game on 48.0% shooting this season look good but don’t justify the assets it would take to acquire him. The Bucks should avoid a short-sighted move for a 6’3” guard who won’t address their core needs because they already have Damian Lillard who is a similar (and far better) type of player who is perimeter-oriented and lacks the size to defend at a high level.
Alternative – Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler is the hottest commodity in the NBA right now after he just got suspended again by the Miami Heat. The Heat are taking any and all offers for their franchise star, and the Bucks are clearly interested in acquiring him. Averaging 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists this season, Butler remains a force on both ends of the court.
When focused on basketball, Butler’s tenacity, leadership, and ability to take over games in high-pressure moments would be invaluable for the Bucks. Imagine a lineup featuring Butler, Giannis, and Dame—it’s the kind of star trio that could dominate in both the regular season and playoffs.
However, acquiring Butler wouldn’t come cheap. The Miami Heat would likely demand Middleton, a young player like Beauchamp, and multiple first-round picks. While Butler would be an ideal fit for Milwaukee’s championship aspirations, his age (34) and mileage make him a riskier proposition compared to younger options like Beal or LaVine.
Ultimately, Butler is the type of alternative option you consider when your primary plans fall through. His pedigree and impact in big moments are undeniable, but the Bucks need to weigh whether his short-term benefits outweigh the cost of sacrificing key assets and future flexibility.
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