The Milwaukee Bucks appear eager to make a move before the NBA Trade Deadline, but chasing Anthony Davis might be overreaching. On the latest episode of The Zach Lowe Show, Lowe suggested that teams struggling to contend, like the Bucks or LA Clippers, could target the reportedly available Davis to try to boost their championship hopes.
“I do expect the Bucks to try to buy and if they continue that stance for another month. When Dallas fired Nico Harrison and I went through all the fake Anthony Davis trades, I said right away, you’ve got to look at teams that are desperate to win and underperforming and can bundle some expiring salary,” Zach Lowe remarked during his show.
It would certainly add another star to Milwaukee’s roster and signal to Giannis Antetokounmpo that the franchise is willing to spend, but trading for Davis comes with huge risk. Unlike moves for players such as Jrue Holiday or Damian Lillard, adding Davis wouldn’t automatically lock in Giannis’ long-term commitment to the team.
“You’ve got to look at teams that are desperate to win and underperforming and can bundle some expiring salary. And I said, like, I’d look at the Bucks. I’d look at the Clippers for Anthony Davis, and I still would for those reasons,” Lowe continued.
Anthony Davis fit with the Bucks
Mar 8, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) during the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Davis is a proven force, a player who consistently produces double-doubles and can elevate a team on both offense and defense.
Pairing him with Giannis Antetokounmpo would create a defensive powerhouse, capable of dominating the paint and pressuring opponents. It is easy to see why he would be one of the most coveted trade targets if the Bucks remain focused on keeping Giannis in Milwaukee.
However, the other side of the equation is Davis’ injury history. His health has long been a concern, and this season he has appeared in only 17 games. Any team that acquires him would be accepting a major risk, knowing that injuries have consistently interrupted the former Lakers star’s availability and production.
Mar 26, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) puts up a shot against Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) in the second overtime at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Can the Milwaukee Bucks justify giving up the likes of Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma, and a first-round pick for a player carrying such a high injury risk? While a trade for Anthony Davis is possible, all indications suggest the Bucks are likely to pursue a smaller, more manageable move to adjust the roster.
On a Bleacher Report livestream, NBA insider Jake Fischer noted that he expects Milwaukee to focus on players in the $35 to $38 million range, well below the $54 million Davis is set to earn this season.