The Milwaukee Bucks are once again scanning the trade market as the deadline approaches, with league sources linking the front office to Anthony Davis, Zach LaVine, and Michael Porter Jr..
According to a report published by The Athletic, Milwaukee’s recent 16–21 record has intensified the urgency for general manager Jon Horst to pursue roster upgrades that could stabilize the season.
Despite winning five of their last eight games, the Bucks sit 11th in the Eastern Conference, a position that falls short of expectations for a roster built around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The report notes that Milwaukee has registered interest in Davis, though league sources characterize a deal with the Dallas Mavericks as unrealistic given contract size and asset constraints.
Davis, 32, is averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while anchoring Dallas’ frontcourt, and he remains under contract through 2027 with a player option in the final season.
Milwaukee has also been tied to LaVine, who is producing 20.2 points per game for the Sacramento Kings while shooting 38.6 percent from three-point range.
The Bucks have previously explored scoring upgrades on the wing, but as of early this week, league sources indicated there were no active negotiations involving LaVine or teammate Malik Monk.
Porter Jr. represents another high-upside option, with the Brooklyn Nets forward averaging 26.1 points and 7.5 rebounds while spacing the floor at an elite level.
Porter Jr. is in the fourth year of a five-year, $179 million deal, making any trade scenario dependent on Milwaukee’s willingness to aggregate salaries and part with future assets.
Internally, Antetokounmpo has emphasized competitiveness rather than leverage, according to the report, signaling he does not intend to force his way out of Milwaukee before the deadline.
Bucks center Myles Turner echoed that sentiment, stating that Antetokounmpo remains focused on winning and committed to the organization’s current direction.
From a basketball standpoint, Milwaukee’s needs are clear, as the team ranks near the middle of the league offensively while struggling to defend consistently on the perimeter.
Any deal would likely prioritize offensive versatility and shot creation to complement Antetokounmpo’s interior dominance and reduce late-game pressure on the supporting cast.
With limited cap flexibility and rising competition in the East, Milwaukee’s next move could define whether the season trends toward contention or transition.
