In past seasons, the Milwaukee Bucks frequently monitored trade rumors involving top-tier stars. Now, with All-Star Ja Morant embroiled in recent controversies and serving a suspension in Memphis, speculation is growing about the end of his tenure with the Grizzlies. If that proves true, the Bucks should think twice before making a move for him.
Several factors make a pairing between Morant and the Bucks problematic. First, Milwaukee has a defined plan for building its roster. Rather than adding another superstar alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo as they have in prior seasons, the team prefers a balanced group of 15 players who can step in and contribute at any moment. Depth is critical in today’s NBA, and pursuing a high-profile trade for Morant would mean giving up valuable pieces.
Oct 31, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) shoots during warm ups prior to the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Milwaukee could afford to sacrifice some depth for the right addition, but Morant isn’t the player they need. His quickness, athleticism, and passing skills have value, yet he doesn’t match the Bucks’ defensive style or their focus on firing up threes. Pairing him with Giannis Antetokounmpo would probably cause more challenges than benefits.
The Bucks have already attempted to pair Giannis Antetokounmpo with a smaller guard who focuses mainly on offense, and it did not go as planned. Even with Damian Lillard, one of the best shooters in the league, Milwaukee still had spacing issues, though his shooting helped keep defenses honest. Morant, however, is both shorter and a much weaker perimeter threat, hitting only 31.1 percent of his career three-pointers and just 14 percent so far this season.
Ja Morant’s fit with the Bucks
Dec 15, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (left) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shake hands after the game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
On paper, adding another star might seem tempting, especially since similar moves have helped the Bucks keep Giannis Antetokounmpo committed in the past. However, this is one trade Milwaukee would be better off passing on.
When the Milwaukee Bucks acquired Damian Lillard, the deal cost them two unprotected first-round picks, one unprotected pick swap, and Jrue Holiday, who was later flipped for additional draft assets. Combined, Lillard and Holiday had 19 All-Star selections at the time those trades were made.
Oct 31, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) dribbles as Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) defends during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
After Damian Lillard went down with an Achilles injury last spring, many believed the Bucks’ offense would collapse without a top-tier scoring guard. Instead, Milwaukee has thrived with a budget-friendly replacement. Ryan Rollins is delivering roughly 83 percent of Morant’s scoring production while costing just a fraction of his salary.
If the Milwaukee Bucks decide to make a move, it should be for a bigger wing who can impact both ends of the floor. They already have capable guards in Ryan Rollins and Cole Anthony, who can handle the playmaking and scoring duties without compromising spacing. What Milwaukee truly needs is a taller, two-way player who fits their system and complements Giannis Antetokounmpo, not another undersized guard who can’t stretch the floor.