A blockbuster trade scenario has surfaced that could radically reshape the Milwaukee Bucks frontcourt and give Giannis Antetokounmpo perhaps his most versatile partner yet. The proposal pairs the two-time MVP with Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen, sending a clear message that Milwaukee is doubling down on size, skill, and defensive intimidation.
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, Andre Jackson Jr., 2027 Milwaukee Bucks first-round pick swap, 2031 Milwaukee Bucks first-round pick, 2032 Milwaukee Bucks first-round pick swap
The timing, however, presents a complication: Bobby Portis cannot be traded yet. Under NBA rules, newly signed free agents must wait three months before being traded. Since Portis signed his three-year, $43 million deal this summer, he won’t be eligible for inclusion until October 6, 2025. That means any potential deal involving him would have to wait until after that date.
The Bucks Go Big
From the Bucks’ perspective, the deal is about unlocking another gear for Giannis. Markkanen is just entering the first year of his four-year, $195 million extension and will earn $46.3 million this season. That’s expensive, but the 7-footer’s skill set justifies it.
Last NBA season, Markkanen averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists on 42.3 percent shooting from the field and 34.6 percent from three. Those numbers undersell his upside, though.
At EuroBasket 2025, he has been electric, averaging 26.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 3.0 steals per game. Against Serbia in the Round of 16, he dropped 29 points with eight boards, four assists, and four steals, proving he can carry a team against elite competition.
If Milwaukee pulled the trigger, they would roll out a monstrous frontline of Markkanen, Giannis, and Myles Turner. With Damian Lillard gone, the Bucks would pivot toward overwhelming opponents with size and two-way dominance.
Offensively, Markkanen’s floor spacing allows Giannis to attack the rim without congestion. Defensively, opposing wings would face a nightmare wall of length and athleticism.
It would mark a shift in identity, but one that fits the win-now urgency around Giannis, who has made it clear he wants championship-caliber rosters around him.
The Jazz Get A Decent Return For Losing Their Best Player
For the Jazz, moving Markkanen would be painful. He is their best player and centerpiece, but the return offers both flexibility and future assets.
Kyle Kuzma gives Utah a capable forward who averaged 14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last season while shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from deep. He’s under contract at $22.4 million this season and can help bridge the gap offensively.
Bobby Portis is another proven contributor, averaging 13.9 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting 36.5 percent from three. On his new three-year, $43 million deal, he’s both affordable and productive.
Andre Jackson Jr. is still raw but has defensive upside and is on a team-friendly rookie contract. The draft capital sweetens the pot, with the 2027 and 2032 swaps plus a 2031 first-rounder giving Utah flexibility in a rebuild or retool.
The Jazz Restart Their Rebuild While The Bucks Keep Contending
This trade idea would be polarizing. For Milwaukee, it’s a bold attempt to keep Giannis happy while transitioning into a new era post-Dame. For Utah, it’s about recognizing their limitations and cashing in on Markkanen at peak value.
One thing is certain: if the Bucks rolled out Giannis, Markkanen, and Turner in the same lineup, they would field one of the most intimidating frontcourts in NBA history.
