RealGM Basketball Wiretap

30 December 2025

• Bucks Have Looked Into Trades For Zach LaVine, Jerami Grant, Malik Monk

  The Milwaukee Bucks won't trade Giannis Antetokounmpo without a trade demand. For his part, Antetokounmpo seems reluctant, if not unlikely, to make such a request. That's left the Bucks looking for ways to upgrade their roster around Antetokounmpo.

  Milwaukee has looked at trading for veteran guards Zach LaVine or Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings. LaVine is making $47.5 million this season, with a $48.9 million player option for next season. Monk's contract is more easily acquirable, as he's making $18.8 million this season, with two years and $41.7 million after that. The final season of Monk's deal is also a player option.

  The Bucks have reportedly also held discussion on acquiring Jerami Grant from the Portland Trail Blazers. Grant makes $32 million this season, with $70.6 million owed to him through 2027-28, with the final season being a player option.

  Acquiring any player with a sizable salary for Milwaukee would mean sending out multiple players. For example, acquiring LaVine would likely mean sending the Kings multiple players to match salary, or involving a third team to take on salary in a multi-team trade.

  A trade with the Blazers would be interesting for the Bucks, as Portland has control of Milwaukee's first-round picks from 2028 through 2030. The Bucks can't trade a free and clear first-round pick until 2032.

• Bucks Won't Trade Giannis Antetokounmpo Without Forceful Request

  The Milwaukee Bucks have not engaged with teams about trading Giannis Antetokounmpo since the NBA's unofficial trade season began Dec. 15, sources told ESPN. Instead, Milwaukee has been scouring the market as buyers looking for roster upgrades.

  A resolution to Antetokounmpo's situation is expected in the coming weeks, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. If the Bucks continue losing and Antetokounmpo wants out, it will require a more forceful request from the two-time MVP, league sources told ESPN.

  "The question is who is going to get made uncomfortable," a league source told ESPN. "There's a difference between saying it out loud and innuendos. [The Bucks] know Giannis doesn't want to be the villain."

  Antetokounmpo threw down a windmill dunk with seven seconds remaining in Saturday's 112-103 win over the Chicago Bulls, sparking a near-brawl. He scored 29 points in 25 minutes while on a playing time restriction after missing three weeks with a calf injury. Before the injury, Charania reported that Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis were reopening conversations with the Bucks about his future.

  Milwaukee has engaged in internal conversations about Zach LaVine and Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings, as well as Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers, according to multiple team and league sources. The Bucks like their roster but believe they need additions to compete for a championship.

  "I've been 13 years in the league," Antetokounmpo said. "If we keep on losing, brother, probably half of the team is not going to be here."

  The Bucks sit at 13-19 in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. They are 3-11 without Antetokounmpo this season and have won one playoff series since capturing the 2021 NBA title.

  Milwaukee has limited trade assets, with only one first-round pick available in either 2031 or 2032. Doc Rivers insisted Antetokounmpo has never requested a trade.

• Giannis Antetokounmpo Expected To Return On Saturday

  Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to return to the lineup on Saturday at the Chicago Bulls. Antetokounmpo has missed the Bucks last eight games due to a right calf strain.

  Without their star forward, Milwaukee went 2-6. Overall, this season the Bucks are 3-11 when Antetokounmpo misses a game.

  Antetokounmpo returns as the Bucks find themselves 12-19 and in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. Trade rumors continue to swirl around Antetokounmpo, but the superstar has yet to formally ask Milwaukee for a trade.

• Bucks Canvassing NBA At G League Showcase For Roster Upgrades Ahead Of Trade Deadline

  The Milwaukee Bucks are actively exploring trades to improve their roster ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, multiple teams at the G-League showcase in Orlando confirmed to ESPN. Milwaukee has lost three consecutive games and sits three games out of the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference.

  The Bucks have one tradeable first-round pick, either in 2031 or 2032. They also possess a 2026 second-round pick from Utah, though that selection is unlikely to convey due to Nos. 31-55 protection.

  Milwaukee's roster carries top-heavy salary commitments. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis earn 77 percent of the team's active salary.

  Turner and Portis signed four-year and three-year contracts respectively over the offseason. Kuzma has two years remaining on his deal at $22.1 million and $20.3 million.

  The Bucks sit $19.5 million below the first apron and can take back salary in trades. Milwaukee carries $20.1 million in stretched money from the Damian Lillard move last summer.

  Milwaukee is 2-10 when Antetokounmpo has not played this season. The two-time MVP has missed extended time with a calf strain.

  The Bucks are attempting to remain within striking distance of the playoffs during Antetokounmpo's absence. Their recent struggles have intensified speculation around the franchise's direction.

  Milwaukee's front office is canvassing the league for potential deals that could strengthen the roster. The limited draft capital and salary constraints complicate the team's ability to make significant moves.

  The Bucks face pressure to improve their standing before the trade deadline. Their current position outside the play-in spots represents a disappointing start for a team with championship expectations.

• Bucks Looking To Add 'Difference Maker' In Trade Market, Have Zach LaVine On Radar

  The Milwaukee Bucks are looking to add a "difference maker" to the roster and are keeping tabs on the Sacramento Kings' Zach LaVine, according to Chris Haynes.

  "The Milwaukee Bucks are in desperate pursuit of trying to look out on the trade market to see if they can bring in a difference maker type of player... one of the guys I've identified is Zach LaVine of the Sacramento Kings. He is one player they have done their homework on.

  "There hasn't been any concrete, serious talks to this point but he is someone who is on their radar," said Haynes on NBA on Prime.

  LaVine is averaging 20.2 points and 3.3 rebounds this season. He is currently out at least one week with a sprained ankle.

  Haynes added that the Bucks are looking to be "buyers" at the trade deadline.

  "The Bucks... are buyers and they are trying to figure out a way to bring in a difference making type of player to the roster."

  Giannis Antetokounmpo said on Thursday that he has not yet spoken to the Bucks front office about his future.

• Giannis Antetokounmpo Confirms He Hasn't Spoken To Bucks About Future

  Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke with reporters on Thursday for the first time since an ESPN report indicated that he and his agent, Alex Saratsis, planned to open conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about his future and whether they would move forward with a trade.

  Antetokounmpo, however, suffered a calf strain in the Bucks' next game which impacted the momentum of the conversation and prevented him from addressing the situation on the record directly.

  "I didn't hear about the report," said Antetokounmpo. "Again, if my agent is talking to the Bucks about it, he is his own person. He can have any conversation he wants about it.

  "At the end of the day, I don't work for my agent, my agent works for me. And there's going to be conversations that are going to be made between him and the Bucks and him and his other players and him and other teams and other GMs, executives around the league. It's something that you can't control.

  "But, at the end of the day, I personally have not had the conversation with the Bucks. I'm still locked in, locked in on my teammates. Most importantly, locked in on me getting back healthy. And then locked in on my teammates and how can I help them from the sideline or encourage them to be able to play and play free. Because at the end of the day, it takes a toll on them too, right? They're playing game after game after game. Thank God, we've had a very good schedule in the last couple of weeks, but it takes a toll on them too. Like rumors and that and in and out, injuries and lose, win, it's hard, right? So, as a leader, but most importantly as a winner, you just gotta be there for them first.

  "So, right now again, I'm just focused on getting back healthy on the court, focusing on how can I encourage my team to be the best version of themselves. After that, focus on how can I go out there and help them win games and get out of this hole that we've dug ourselves in and then everything else comes after that."

  Antetokounmpo becomes eligible on October 1, 2026 for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension through the 2030-31 season and could become a free agent as early as 2027.

• Bucks Believed To Be 'Big-Game Hunting' On Trade Market

  The Milwaukee Bucks have shifted their approach at the trade deadline, messaging to rival teams that they want to be buyers rather than sellers despite an 11-16 record. The franchise is pursuing moves to strengthen Giannis Antetokounmpo's supporting cast, even without a clear return-from-injury timetable for their star forward.

  After repeatedly telling teams that Antetokounmpo is not available, Milwaukee is now signaling a different direction. One rival general manager said the Bucks have convinced him "they're going big-game hunting" to assemble a contender in the wide-open Eastern Conference.

  The Bucks have revisited the prospect of pursuing Zach LaVine of the Sacramento Kings. Milwaukee needs wing depth between Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner, making LaVine an attractive option despite his expensive contract.

  The team's lack of draft capital limits their options. Milwaukee does not have an unencumbered first-round pick to trade until 2031, meaning their only path to acquiring talent involves taking on significant contracts.

  Portland Trail Blazers swingman Jerami Grant has also been on Milwaukee's radar both this season and previously. Grant has two years remaining on his deal worth just over $70 million after this season, and Portland already controls Milwaukee's first-round picks in 2028, 2029, and 2030 from the Damian Lillard trade.

  Other players Milwaukee has shown interest in include Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat and Dejounte Murray of the New Orleans Pelicans. The Bucks regularly called about Wiggins during his Golden State Warriors tenure and were interested in Murray before his trade to New Orleans.

  Murray has not played since late January 2025 due to a torn Achilles. New Orleans hopes he could return next month.

  Marcus Smart is another defensive-minded guard Milwaukee has explored, though the Los Angeles Lakers are unlikely to make him available after acquiring him via the buyout market in the offseason.

  Rival teams continue to believe Milwaukee's best option is proactively trading Antetokounmpo before his situation grows more complicated. One decision-maker described the current dynamic as "a staring contest" between the Bucks and interested teams.

  Some teams wonder if Milwaukee's resistance stems from concerns that Antetokounmpo's trade market would not be as robust as anticipated. Antetokounmpo has not formally requested a trade and cannot become a free agent until 2027.

• Bucks Tell Rival Teams They're Buyers As Trade Season Opens

  The Milwaukee Bucks have told teams they are looking to add to their roster in hopes of fortifying their struggling squad as the trade season begins, league sources told The Athletic. The Bucks are 11-16 and have not won consecutive games since October.

  Milwaukee suffered a 127-82 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, one of the largest defeats in franchise history. The loss came three days after the Bucks defeated the Boston Celtics without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is sidelined with a right calf strain.

  The Bucks are barely holding on to the final Play-In Tournament spot in the Eastern Conference. Trade rumors involving Antetokounmpo have surfaced during the regular season as the two-time MVP and team have expressed displeasure with early results.

  The Athletic confirmed Milwaukee has done due diligence on Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine recently and has shown interest in him in the past. The revelation shows the Bucks might be willing to take a significant swing rather than adding around the periphery.

  Milwaukee's messaging could change as the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaches, sources said. The Bucks waived Damian Lillard five months ago and added big man Myles Turner on a four-year, $107 million deal.

  The Bucks have a group of younger guards including Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, AJ Green and Gary Trent Jr. who have been regulars in coach Doc Rivers' rotation. All are 6-foot-5 or shorter.

  Milwaukee essentially has no wings who have earned Rivers' trust following Taurean Prince's neck injury and subsequent surgery. This has led Rivers to use mismatched lineups featuring either three guards or three bigs.

  The Bucks have four bigs who have contributed all season: Antetokounmpo, Turner, Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis. Green, one of the NBA's best 3-point shooters, has missed the last three games with a left AC joint sprain.

  General manager Jon Horst can only move one first-round pick at this year's trade deadline. The Bucks' summer moves left their remaining first-round picks intact, though Horst could move up to three starting on draft night.

• Thunder, Rockets, Spurs Not Expected To Pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo

  At this point, the Milwaukee Bucks are not expected to make Giannis Antetokounmpo available via trade unless the superstar forward asks to be traded. Should Antetokounmpo ask to leave the Bucks, don't expect three Western Conference powers to get involved in trade talks.

  The Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs are all expected to pass on jumping in on discussions to acquire Antetokounmpo. The Thunder, Rockets and Spurs are expected to have the assets to chase the Bucks star forward, but all three teams are believed to like how their teams are currently positioned.

• Bucks Conduct Due Diligence On Zach LaVine Amid Trade Rumors

  The Milwaukee Bucks have conducted recent due diligence on Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine and have shown interest in the past, league sources tell The Athletic. The Bucks are navigating the uncertain future of Giannis Antetokounmpo, but continue their efforts in putting the best team possible around him despite limited ways of improving their roster as they only retain one tradeable first round pick.

  LaVine could help several contending teams but faces significant trade obstacles. The 30-year-old guard earns $47.4 million this season and holds a $48.9 million player option for next season.

  LaVine's contract makes him nearly impossible to move without Sacramento attaching draft assets as sweeteners. First-year Kings general manager Scott Perry has signaled a commitment to retaining future draft picks for the franchise's rebuild.

  Perry hopes those picks will play a pivotal role in Sacramento's future. The general manager made a plea for fan and organizational patience regarding his long-term outlook.

  If Perry maintains his stance on draft picks, the Kings' veteran core could remain intact past the February 5 deadline. Sacramento's core includes LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk.

  The Kings have opened their roster for business amid a disappointing season. Sacramento stands at 6-19, last in the Western Conference.

  The realities of the trade market could provide a sobering reality as the deadline approaches. LaVine's exorbitant salary presents challenges for any team attempting to acquire him without significant financial flexibility.

  Milwaukee's interest demonstrates contending teams view LaVine as a potential difference-maker. However, the financial hurdles remain substantial for any deal to materialize.

  LaVine is averaging 20.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 33.6 minutes across 22 games so far this season with the Kings. LaVine continues to be one of the NBA's most efficient scoring guards with a True Shooting Percentage over .600.