The Milwaukee Bucks are still trying to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo in the fold, with the front office reportedly exploring one more roster move in hopes of strengthening the team and reinforcing a long-term commitment. While teams like the Atlanta Hawks have already drawn firm lines around players they will not include in any Giannis talks, Milwaukee appears to be looking elsewhere for solutions.
The Sacramento Kings have emerged as a potential trade partner, with league chatter suggesting the Bucks may be reaching out about a deal that reshapes the roster without involving Antetokounmpo.
According to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, discussions have taken place about the possibility of Kings guard Zach LaVine joining the Bucks.
“‘The Athletic confirmed this week, they’ve done due diligence on the Sacramento Kings’ Zach LaVine recently (and have shown interest in him in the past). At minimum, that revelation shows that with their backs against the wall, the Bucks might once again be willing to take a more sizable swing than just adding around the periphery as they search for solutions,” Nehm wrote.
The Bucks left with limited moves to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo
Dec 11, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on from the bench while recovering from an injury in the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
With Antetokounmpo sidelined by a calf injury, the Bucks have used the time to explore potential roster upgrades, turning their attention to the Kings, who have reportedly expressed openness to trade discussions.
The Bucks’ options to strengthen their roster are somewhat limited. Following the waiver of Damian Lillard and the four-year, $107 million signing of Myles Turner, the most effective path to improving around Antetokounmpo appears to be through a trade.
Nov 13, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) hug after the game at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
“While Horst limited his team’s salary-cap space over the next five seasons with the decision to part ways with Lillard — the $112 million he was owed will be stretched across Milwaukee’s books for five seasons — the Bucks’ summer moves left their remaining first-round picks intact,” the insider added.
Could Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kings guard Zach LaVine form the dynamic duo the Bucks have been missing? Giannis’ dominance paired with LaVine’s consistent 20-plus point scoring could mesh well in Milwaukee’s offense, but whether the combination can elevate the team to genuine contender status remains uncertain.