The Milwaukee Bucks aren’t the easiest team to figure out ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
If Bucks Nix Bradley Beal Trade, What’s Next?
Over the course of the season, it’s become clear that they’re willing to move Pat Connaughton and MarJon Beauchamp.
In Connaughton’s case, the motivation is likely financial. To that point, they’re currently $6.5 million over the second apron and Connaughton is making $9.4 million this season. Meanwhile, Beauchamp fell out of the Bucks’ rotation when Adrian Griffin was replaced by Doc Rivers. Given Beauchamp’s two-way upside, the demotion was surprising. However, he didn’t make it easier on himself, his shots clanking off the rim in the subsequent Summer League.
Veering Away From Vultures
At some point, it seemed possible that Giannis Antetokounmpo could be on the move as well. Like many stars, he prioritizes a winning environment. That being said, the Bucks have clinched a playoff berth every year since 2017. In 2021, Antetokounmpo was able to lead the franchise to their first championship in 50 years.
Unfortunately, last season was particularly difficult for Antetokounmpo. Halfway through the season, the Bucks changed head coaches. He and Damian Lillard‘s on-court chemistry was slow-building. A couple of months ago, it seemed like Milwaukee might not get over the hump. As a result, other franchises were circling like vultures, hoping that the Greek Freak would be frustrated enough to make a trade.
Now, the Bucks are back in business.
They still aren’t as dominant as fans are used to seeing. Nonetheless, Antetokounmpo is having another MVP-caliber season, often willing Milwaukee to victory. Lillard, who has rediscovered his touch, is leaving his fingerprints all over the game. Rivers is still helping Antetokounmpo and Lillard build their two-man game, which was one of his primary objectives after being hired. However, he’s also grown, as evidenced by his willingness to put faith in more young players –namely Andre Jackson Jr. and Ryan Rollins –than usual.
Not Interested?
Still, there’s speculation that the Bucks are hoping to make a splash trade. It may not involve Antetokounmpo (or Lillard) but Khris Middleton or Bobby Portis. Perhaps even both. The impression is that this would lead to them acquiring either Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler or Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal.
The only problem with that is it seems like Milwaukee doesn’t want either star.
Just last week, Rivers compared Butler’s situation with Miami to the one he faced with Ben Simmons in Philadelphia. His comments about Butler weren’t disparaging. Yet, the empathy that he’s shown for Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra brings to question whether he would want to risk being in a similar situation.
The reason that the Bucks may not want Beal isn’t as clear. Nonetheless, a recent report from NBA insider Chris Haynes throws cold water on the possibility of the St. Louis native landing with their organization. If true, then Middleton and Portis may be on the block to attract another star.
What Other Options?
As Middleton and Portis make over $44 million combined this season, Chicago Bulls wing Zach LaVine –who makes $43 million in 2024-25 –could be the apple of Milwaukee’s eye. If they accept Middleton’s contract, the Portland Trail Blazers could move off of the salary they owe Jerami Grant through 2027-28. Both of these potential targets can play off of Antetokounmpo and Lillard, which is imperative given how much the ball will be in their hands.
However, they also have enough scoring talent to take matters into their own hands, whether by design or due to a breakdown.
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