The Milwaukee Bucks are at a pivotal moment as they seek to maximize the prime years of Giannis Antetokounmpo. After a disappointing playoff exit in 2024, the Bucks are exploring ways to enhance their roster and make another deep run in the Eastern Conference. One intriguing trade idea involves bringing in Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, along with sharpshooter Luke Kennard and promising forward Santi Aldama. This potential deal would see Milwaukee parting ways with All-Star Khris Middleton, who has been a crucial part of their success but struggled with injuries and consistency last season.
On the other side, the Memphis Grizzlies are looking to add a proven scorer and veteran presence alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Middleton, despite his recent struggles, remains one of the league’s most reliable wing players when healthy, and his experience could be invaluable for a young Grizzlies squad aiming to take the next step.
Trade Proposal
Bucks receive: Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Santi Aldama, 2026 First-Round Pick
Grizzlies receive: Khris Middleton, AJ Green, Chris Livingston
This trade proposal aims to shake up the rosters of both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Memphis Grizzlies in a way that could significantly alter their trajectories for the upcoming season. The Bucks would receive Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year known for his gritty defense and leadership, along with sharpshooter Luke Kennard and the young, promising forward Santi Aldama. These additions would bolster Milwaukee’s defense and depth, while also adding a future first-round pick in 2026.
On the flip side, the Grizzlies would acquire Khris Middleton, a seasoned scorer and All-Star, who could provide the veteran presence and scoring consistency the team needs alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Middleton’s ability to deliver in clutch moments could be crucial for Memphis as they aim to solidify their standing as contenders in the Western Conference. Additionally, AJ Green and Chris Livingston would give the Grizzlies extra depth and potential as they continue to build a young and dynamic team.
A Great Retool For The Aging Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are at a point where they need to make some smart moves to keep their championship window open. With Patrick Beverley heading to Europe, the Bucks are missing that gritty, defensive presence in the backcourt. That’s where Marcus Smart comes in. After joining the Grizzlies last season, Smart showed he’s still one of the best defenders in the league, putting up 14.5 points, 4.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. He’d slide right into that role for the Bucks, bringing his toughness and leadership to a team that could use a spark.
Adding Luke Kennard to the mix would also be a big win for Milwaukee. Kennard was one of the top three-point shooters last season, hitting 44.7% from deep. That kind of shooting would give Giannis and Lillard more space to operate, making the Bucks’ offense even more dangerous. With Kennard out on the perimeter, defenses won’t be able to collapse on Giannis without risking getting burned from beyond the arc.
Santi Aldama is another interesting piece in this trade. At 23, he’s young and still developing, but he’s already shown he can contribute. Last season, he averaged 10.7 points and 5.8 rebounds, and he’s got the kind of stretch-four potential that could be really valuable for the Bucks. With Brook Lopez getting older—he’s 36 now—the Bucks need to start thinking about managing his minutes. Aldama could be the guy who helps keep Lopez fresh for the playoffs while also giving the Bucks some quality minutes during the regular season.
The new-look Bucks lineup could be something special. Picture this: Lillard running the show, Smart locking down the perimeter, Kennard spacing the floor, Giannis doing his MVP thing, and Lopez anchoring the defense. That’s a squad that can compete with anyone. And with Aldama ready to step in when needed, the Bucks would have the depth to handle the grind of a long season and still be fresh for the playoffs.
Smart’s defensive chops, Kennard’s shooting, and Aldama’s potential make this trade a solid move for the Bucks as they try to keep their championship hopes alive. It’s about balancing the need to win now with the reality that some of their key players aren’t getting any younger. This trade could be just what they need to stay at the top of the Eastern Conference.
A Third Offensive Star For The Young Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies have been on the rise in the Western Conference, building around their dynamic duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Now, with this trade, they have the chance to add a third offensive star to the mix: Khris Middleton. Middleton, a proven scorer and veteran presence, could be exactly what the Grizzlies need to take that next step from playoff team to serious contender.
Middleton brings a wealth of experience, having been a key part of the Milwaukee Bucks’ championship run in 2021. Last season, he averaged 15.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, despite dealing with some injuries. He’s a reliable scorer who can create his own shot and is known for his clutch performances in big moments. For a young Grizzlies team, adding someone with Middleton’s pedigree could be huge, especially as they look to make deeper playoff runs.
Pairing Middleton with Morant and Jackson gives Memphis a well-rounded offensive attack. Morant is electric with the ball in his hands, constantly putting pressure on defenses with his speed and playmaking ability. Jackson, on the other hand, has emerged as one of the best two-way big men in the league. Middleton would complement these two perfectly, providing a steady hand on the wing who can score from all three levels and help space the floor.
This trade also helps Memphis address another key area: leadership. With a relatively young roster, the Grizzlies have been searching for a veteran who can guide the team through the ups and downs of an NBA season. Middleton, with his calm demeanor and playoff experience, could be that leader in the locker room, helping to keep the team focused and on track as they navigate the challenges of the Western Conference.
In exchange for Middleton, the Grizzlies would be sending Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and Santi Aldama to Milwaukee. While this means parting ways with some solid contributors, the potential upside of adding a player of Middleton’s caliber makes the trade worth it. Smart’s toughness and defensive prowess will be missed, but the Grizzlies are betting that Middleton’s offensive impact and veteran leadership will outweigh the loss.
Overall, adding Middleton could be the move that pushes the Grizzlies into the upper echelon of the NBA. With Morant, Jackson, and Middleton leading the way, Memphis would have a balanced and versatile attack capable of competing with the best teams in the league. It’s a bold move, but one that could pay off in a big way for a young Grizzlies team hungry to make its mark.
