The Milwaukee Bucks have emerged as a potential player in the Trae Young sweepstakes as the Atlanta Hawks continue working toward a possible deal involving their franchise guard. Milwaukee has made it clear it wants to add impact talent immediately in an effort to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo satisfied and push for another championship run.
It may be a risky approach from a long-term standpoint, but with the trade deadline nearing, the Bucks’ sense of urgency has only intensified the surrounding trade buzz.
ESPN NBA insider Zach Kram recently floated a trade scenario that would send Trae Young to Milwaukee in exchange for a package of veteran contributors and future assets. In the proposal, the Bucks would land Young while the Hawks would receive Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, Gary Harris, and a 2031 first-round pick, giving Atlanta a mix of proven rotation pieces and long-term draft capital.
The Bucks would make this move to send a clear message to Giannis Antetokounmpo that the franchise still intends to chase a championship. Trae Young has struggled by his own standards this season, producing his lowest scoring and assist averages since his rookie year while also battling a sprained MCL and a quad injury that has sidelined him for five straight games.
Even so, the Bucks would be betting that a fresh start and the chance to play next to Antetokounmpo could reignite Young’s game and help him rediscover the All Star level impact he showed just a season ago.
Trae Young’s fit with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks
Mar 4, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts with Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) after the Bucks defeated the Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Young has one season remaining on his contract, assuming he exercises his player option for 2026–27. The Bucks already know the Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo experiment fell short, but they would be banking on a different outcome this time.
By pairing Young with Antetokounmpo and surrounding them with Myles Turner in the middle and Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins in the backcourt, Milwaukee would be trying to squeeze out one more legitimate run at a title and keep its championship hopes alive for at least another season.
Dec 4, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) battle for the ball with Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Atlanta’s biggest incentive in this scenario centers on the future first round pick. As Kram noted, Antetokounmpo will be 36 by the 2030–31 season, raising the possibility that Milwaukee’s pick could land in the lottery.
In the meantime, Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, and Gary Harris give the Hawks immediate help. All three are under contract for next season as well, assuming Harris exercises his player option, adding experienced rotation pieces to a roster trying to win now. Their presence would bolster a team built around the rise of Jalen Johnson, 24, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, 27, while also injecting much needed veteran stability.