It was inevitable that the Milwaukee Bucks would surface as an Anthony Davis trade suitor. According to The Athletic's Christian Clark and Sam Amick (subscription required), the Bucks have registered interest in trading for the former NBA Champion, who the Dallas Mavericks have put on the trade block. However, a deal appears unlikely at this point in time.
Per the two insiders, the Bucks' lack of assets and large-scale contracts could limit the desirability of what they can offer the Mavericks. If the Bucks want to hold their 2031 or 2032 first-round picks close to the chest, teams like the Atlanta Hawks or Toronto Raptors can easily make a better offer for the big man. This rumor likely won't amount to much.
Anthony Davis shouldn't be the Bucks' big splash
The Bucks are being aggressive as always. It's no surprise that they've done homework on Davis. They've done homework on everyone to this point. It would be more surprising if there was a target they haven't looked into. Yet, Davis seems like someone a bit out of their target range due to his huge contract, and that might be just fine.
If a deal did miraculously go through, could it help the Milwaukee Bucks? Sure. Davis is still a double-double machine who could greatly help Milwaukee's rebounding and defensive woes. A proven piece who can help a team win a title as a second option, Davis' battle-tested experience could make him and Giannis Antetokounmpo a formidable one-two punch on both ends.
The problem is that any franchise that trades for Davis will inherit his injury concerns. Ailments have plagued the big man throughout his NBA career, including this season, where he is posting some of the least productive numbers of his career. Is that the piece the Milwaukee Bucks think can turn their season around and get them back into the contending conversation? Likely not.
Injury problems have loomed over the Bucks like a black cloud for years. From Khris Middleton to Damian Lillard to Giannis Antetokounmpo himself, not having everyone available on the big stage has hurt the Bucks far more than any opponent in recent years. Trading for Davis is doing nothing to stop those concerns from reappearing unless the Bucks catch a massive break.
The Milwaukee Bucks are better off elsewhere. Davis may be the most accomplished player on the trade market right now, but he also very well may be the riskiest one available.
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