The Milwaukee Bucks swung the blockbuster Damian Lillard trade just before the 2023-’24 NBA season with the hope it would return them to championship contention. After going 30-13 under Adrian Griffin, Milwaukee made the switch to Doc Rivers and has been s sub-.500 team since. With things only getting worse this season and NBA rumors already swirling, it might be time to consider a rebuild. Below, we’re examining four potential Bucks trades that could help Milwaukee rebuild, including a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. Let’s dive in.
Damian Lillard traded to the Miami Heat
In hindsight, the Milwaukee Bucks might’ve been better off letting Damian Lillard be traded to the Miami Heat. The All-Star point guard’s trade value certainly isn’t as high as it used to be, which could draw Miami’s interest again. If the Bucks determine this star pairing just isn’t working out, the only result should be a total teardown as Antetokounmpo probably doesn’t want to stick around if this team can’t put him in a position to win another title.
- Miami Heat trade: Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, 2029 unprotected 1st, 2031 unprotected 1st
- Milwaukee Bucks trade: Damian Lillard
Tyler Herro only has two years left on his deal, while there’s an early-termination option on the final year of the Duncan Robinson contract ($19.888 million) with only $9.888 million fully guaranteed. Milwaukee wouldn’t get to use the first-round picks for several years, but it would start unburdening itself financially with draft capital and flexibility for the future. Plus, Herro could be a 2025 trade chip.
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Bobby Portis dealt to the Sacramento Kings
Furthering the rebuild for Milwaukee, it would be reasonable to part ways with Bobby Portis. While he’s under contract for the next two seasons, that 29-year-old’s role is best suited for a contender. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings could really stand to benefit from upgrading their front-court depth and Portis is an ideal option.
- Sacramento Kings trade: Trey Lyles, Colby Jones, 2026 2nd, 2027 2nd
- Milwaukee Bucks trade: Bobby Portis
Milwaukee Bucks continue rebuild with Khris Middleton trade to Cleveland Cavaliers
Any Khris Middleton trade would have to wait until he’s proven that he is healthy, which means waiting until December. While we recognize complete teardowns are almost unprecedented in the NBA, that’s the territory Milwaukee must consider if its skid continues and Antetokounmpo becomes unhappy.
- Milwaukee Bucks trade: Khris Middleton
- Cleveland Cavaliers trade: Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, 2031 1st
This would certainly be a gamble for the Cleveland Cavaliers considering Middleton hasn’t played 60-plus games in a season since 2021-’22. However, with limited assets and a need to prove they can at least compete for a championship, Middleton is the best option. As for Milwaukee, it picks up a future first-round pick, an expiring contract (Caris LeVert) and a young rotation piece in Isaac Okoro who is under contract for 3 years.
Giannis Antetokounmpo traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder are probably the best team in the Western Conference, but a second superstar to pair with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might be necessary to beat a team like the Boston Celtics. Fortunately, Oklahoma City is one of the few NBA teams with the assets to pull off a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
- Milwaukee Bucks trade: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Oklahoma City Thunder trade: Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Cason Wallace, 2025 LAC 1st, 2027 DEN 1st, 2031 OKC 1st
While Jalen Williams is someone Oklahoma City doesn’t want to part with, this lands them an MVP-caliber play. Plus, the Thunder hold onto several other first-round picks if they want to add depth before the NBA trade deadline. For Milwaukee, it gets a much-needed building block in Williams and that 2025 Los Angeles Clippers’ first-round pick could add another. Isaiah Hartenstein, who can’t be traded until December 15, is included to help salaries match.
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