The Milwaukee Bucks will be one of the most interesting teams to watch this offseason. Their desperation or demise could provide a lot of movement. The Sacramento Kings may have a part in that.
The big storyline in Milwaukee this summer is naturally the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo with the organization. Does the two-time MVP finally decide to move on after three straight first-round exits?
If the Greek Freak decides to give the Bucks one last chance, they will certainly be pushing for franchise-altering moves to give Antetokounmpo some necessary support. This is where the Kings enter the equation.
DeMar DeRozan
Mar 22, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles against Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center.
© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Mock trade sends veteran forward to Milwaukee
The Bucks are not exactly in a position where they can completely overhaul the roster with ease. Damian Lillard's torn Achilles tendon keeps Antetokounmpo without a proper co-star for the upcoming 2025-26 season as well.
Enter DeMar DeRozan.
John Sbisa of Behind the Buck Pass wrote, "Even if the Bucks re-sign [Gary] Trent this summer, they will need to add another piece to be competitive while Lillard recovers."
Sbisa continued, "In the epitome of a win-now move, one way to make that happen involves dealing Kyle Kuzma to the Kings for DeMar DeRozan."
The NBA writer suggested the following mock trade.
Bucks receive: DeMar DeRozan.
Kings receive: Kyle Kuzma, 2025 second-round pick, 2031 second-round pick.
DeRozan's reliability, steadiness, and good health were all described to be attractive assets for the Bucks. The veteran forward can provide Antetokounmpo with someone who will alleviate the defensive pressure on the former Finals MVP.
For the Kings, Kuzma is a player they have been linked to in the past. The situation is much different now, but perhaps a new general manager will prefer getting a young player through that door, to go with some draft capital.
The Kings should be a team that is involved in several offseason deals this summer. Seeing DeRozan on the move would be the least surprising of them.