Every offseason, Milwaukee Bucks fans are reminded of how good a general manager Jon Horst really is. While he has more misses than hits in the NBA Draft during his tenure, his ability to construct a roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo, with very little salary cap space or trade assets to work with, is nothing short of impressive.
On Saturday night, it was reported that Cole Anthony, the son of former Bucks point guard Greg Anthony, was going to be bought out of his contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, to whom he was traded earlier this offseason. Furthermore, it was reported that he intends to sign a one-year contract (probably on the veteran minimum) to play for the Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks Fans Think AJ Green Could Be Traded Now that Cole Anthony Is on His Way
Milwaukee Bucks, Cole Anthony
Apr 25, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) warms up before game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
After free agency began, the Bucks re-signed guards Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins to multi-year contracts. The addition of Anthony, who is a point guard, made many fans wonder if AJ Green, whom many thought could compete for a starting role this season, might be traded (along with Kyle Kuzma) for a starting small forward:
Lots of chatter on the TL about a dairy bird trade and it’s making me scared. He’s not untouchable by any means but man he is really solid. I guess it would totally depend on the return
— 🦌 (@SnellSZN) July 13, 2025
The longer we go without the AJ Green extension + the more guards the Bucks sign the more I wonder if there’s something cooking.
Theoretically if Kuzma and Green went out for a starting small forward the roster/rotation would be very balanced. Starting to have too many guys now.
— Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch) July 13, 2025
Kuzma + AJ Green + 1st round pick for a legit wing should be on the table now
— Jake Reetz (@jajareetz) July 13, 2025
Would really surprise me if the Bucks trade AJ Green. We’re clearly revamping the roster.
Would be some kinda decision or the return would need to be MASSIVE to take away a guy that clearly works with the direction of the org.
— Trey Crosby III Guru (@TCIIIESQ) July 13, 2025
Green, a career 42% three-point shooter, had the best year of his career last season, averaging 7.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in 73 games (seven starts).
The Milwaukee Bucks May Want AJ Green to Be the Starting Small Forward
Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) shoots during the fourth quarter
Jan 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) shoots during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The thing is, though, that while fans (and perhaps the front office) would love to see Kuzma traded, that does not mean Milwaukee will be willing to include Green as a sweetener in any proposals.
Indeed, while Green is a six-foot-four shooting guard, he is a well-above average defender and is very capable of guarding opposing small forwards.
An alternative thought to trading Green is that the Bucks do not view Porter Jr. as a pure point guard, and would rather he backup Gary Trent Jr. at shooting guard. That would make either Rollins or Anthony the starting point guard, with the other being the backup.
Green, then, could move to small forward and perhaps start (should the Bucks be able to offload Kuzma).
The real question, then, is what the front court rotation will look like, and who will play small forward. Myles Turner and Jericho Sims are the centers, Giannis and Bobby Portis play power forward, and the team also has Taurean Prince back.
Adding Green to the front court, with Kuzma on the roster, makes things a little crowded. That being said, head coach Doc Rivers recently said the team expects Green to make a massive leap this year, which would indicate they are not planning on trading him.
It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
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