The Milwaukee Bucks finished their difficult West Coast road trip 2-2 and are returning home to face the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night. In any other recent season, a 2-2 trip out west would have been met with satisfaction, as the teams Milwaukee played are tough to face on the road.
But this year is a bit different because the Bucks are now just 17-22 and currently outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Indeed, fans are a bit worried that the team will not be able to turn it around as is, and are hopeful Milwaukee will make a trade to improve the roster.
On that note, Giannis Antetokounmpo has emphatically stated that he does not want to be traded away from the Bucks and that he is committed to winning with this team. He also said, though, that the question of whether or not this team can win as it is currently constructed is “a different conversation.”
The Milwaukee Bucks should not trade for Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant
Dec 26, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) shoots during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
One of the ways that many believe the Bucks could improve their roster is by trading for disgruntled Memphis Grizzlies All-Star Ja Morant. Indeed, the Grizzlies are shopping Morant around, trying to find a suitable offer.
So far this season, the two-time All-Star point guard has played in 18 games and is averaging 19.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per contest.
The problem with a potential trade that involves Milwaukee, though, is that the addition of Morant would not solve the Bucks’ immediate needs. In fact, it might make them worse.
If Milwaukee were to acquire Morant, it would likely cost them Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, or both of them as part of the return. And while many Bucks fans may not be sad to see either of them leave, the fact of the matter is that one of Milwaukee’s biggest weaknesses this year is rebounding, and both Kuzma and Portis are among the best rebounders on the team.
Trading for Morant, a point guard, will do nothing to solve the rebounding issue.
Additionally, it is pretty well-known that part of the reason the Grizzlies are so willing to part with their franchise star is because of his character issues off the court. In the past, Morant has been suspended and investigated for issues related to firearms, making him a player that the Bucks may not want regardless of his talent level.
A week ago, NBA insider Sam Amick stated that the Bucks are not trying to break down the door on a trade as much as people might think. He admitted that Kuzma and Portis are the most likely players to be moved, but added that Milwaukee is focusing on acquiring “high character” guys in any trade.
And to be frank, Morant is not a high-character guy.
Not only would acquiring the Grizzlies point guard do nothing to solve one of the most pressing issues on the team, but it also could have a devastating effect on the Bucks’ locker room and culture.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!