The Milwaukee Bucks could be in trouble as their championship window is closing, because, to be honest, the landscape around them has shifted dramatically. Damian Lillard’s departure leaves Giannis Antetokounmpo without the elite backcourt partner Milwaukee had hoped would ease the burden on his shoulders. With the supporting cast filled with question marks, the Bucks face an urgent need to reshape their roster.
The clock is ticking, and the pressure to maximize Giannis’ prime is as high as it’s ever been. If they don't make a move, they could lose the best two-way superstar in the NBA right now. That’s where a calculated trade could make all the difference.
Instead of standing pat, the Bucks have a chance to flip one of their biggest disappointments in Kyle Kuzma (5.8 PPG in 2024-25 postseason) for a player who checks far more boxes: Jerami Grant. The versatile forward brings legitimate two-way value, capable of defending multiple positions while spacing the floor and providing efficient scoring.
In theory, Grant fits seamlessly alongside Giannis, giving the Bucks a reliable starter who can impact both ends of the floor. Let’s break down why this trade idea might be the clever solution Milwaukee desperately needs.
Proposed Trade Details
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Kyle Kuzma, Andre Jackson Jr., 2027 first-round pick (NOP swap)
Milwaukee Bucks Add Another Two-Way Starter Alongside Giannis And Myles Turner
The Bucks’ front office has been under scrutiny since Damian Lillard’s exit, but this trade would give them a chance to rebound. By acquiring Jerami Grant (14.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.1 APG), Milwaukee adds a true two-way starter who fits seamlessly with their new frontcourt core of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner.
Grant’s can guard multiple positions, while hitting threes at a respectable clip gives Milwaukee the versatility they’ve been lacking in the wing rotation. He’s not a star, but he’s exactly the type of complementary piece championship teams often need to balance their lineups.
Pairing Grant with Giannis and Turner suddenly makes Milwaukee a much tougher defensive team. Turner anchors the paint as one of the league’s best rim protectors, while Giannis covers ground like few others in NBA history.
Add Grant’s switchability (0.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG), and the Bucks can comfortably match up against elite wings and stretch forwards in the playoffs. That trio could give Milwaukee a defensive backbone that resembles the gritty, disciplined units that helped them win the 2021 championship.
Offensively, Grant isn’t tasked with being a top option, which is perfect for Milwaukee’s needs. He can hit open threes (36.5% 3-Pt FG), cut off the ball, and create just enough for himself when defenses tilt too heavily toward Giannis. While losing Kyle Kuzma stings from a name-value perspective, Grant’s steady defense and reliable shooting make him the far more dependable fit alongside Giannis.
Portland Trail Blazers Move A Veteran For Young Players And A Pick
For the Trail Blazers, this trade represents the forward-thinking move a rebuilding team needs to make. Jerami Grant has been productive, but his timeline doesn’t align with Portland’s youth movement led by Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan.
Flipping him now, while his value remains strong, gives Portland a chance to collect more long-term assets without forcing him into a role that doesn’t make sense for their current trajectory. Kyle Kuzma, though inconsistent, offers upside as a change-of-scenery candidate.
He’s younger (30 years old) than Grant (31) and still has the scoring chops to shoulder responsibility when needed. In Portland, Kuzma wouldn’t be expected to carry the franchise (14.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.3 APG), but rather serve as a secondary scoring option who could grow into a mentor for Sharpe and Henderson while maintaining trade value down the road.
At worst, he provides the Blazers with a floor-spacing forward who fits a rebuild timeline better than Grant. The inclusion of Andre Jackson Jr. and a 2027 first-round pick adds even more incentive. Jackson is a defensive-minded third-year player with untapped athletic potential (3.4 PPG in 14.6 MPG), exactly the type of low-risk developmental project a rebuilding team should take on.
The draft pick, even if protected through swaps, gives Portland another valuable asset to play with in future trades. Taken together, this move helps the Blazers align their roster with their youth-driven direction while maintaining flexibility.
A Clever Trade Proposal That Makes The Bucks A Far Better Team
This trade works because it’s about fit rather than star power. Milwaukee could certainly use another high-usage scorer, but they need a reliable, versatile player who can thrive without the ball and lock down defensively a little bit more. Jerami Grant checks both boxes, giving the Bucks a player who raises their floor while still fitting seamlessly around Giannis and Turner.
In a wide-open Eastern Conference, the Bucks cannot afford to waste Giannis’ prime years with a flawed supporting cast. Grant’s presence ensures that the Bucks’ forward depth is no longer a weakness, and his ability to handle the toughest defensive assignments means Giannis can preserve energy for offense.
Ultimately, it’s a rare win-win scenario. Portland gains future assets while continuing its rebuild, and Milwaukee secures a veteran upgrade that immediately elevates its playoff chances. It won't make front-page headlines but will reshape the playoff picture a little bit.
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