The Bucks are reportedly exploring a win-now trade for a proven star to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo, with two-time All-Star Zach LaVine emerging as a potential target as Milwaukee faces mounting pressure ahead of the deadline.
As Rivers and the Bucks continue to slide down the standings, the front office looks to make a desperate move for a star to keep Antetokounmpo happy enough to stay in Milwaukee.
As the once-contending Bucks sit outside of the playoff spots, NBA contributor Chris Haynes predicts the Bucks to go all in before the deadline.
According to Haynes, the Bucks are “canvassing the market” looking for a star to pair alongside Antetokounmpo.
Since Antetokounmpo exploded onto the scene in the 2010s, he’s led Milwaukee to nine straight playoff appearances and one Finals win in the 2020-21 season.
Milwaukee has rarely made a big move to acquire a star wingman for Antetokounmpo.
Lack of Effort in Milwaukee
Damian Lillard has been the only notable star the Bucks have acquired when they traded for him ahead of the 2023-24 season. Then 32, Lillard was brought in to be a star guard in Milwaukee and a lethal scorer to relieve Antetokounmpo of the constant pressure.
Lillard averaged 24.6 points over the last two seasons in Milwaukee before tearing his Achilles in the 2025 playoffs.
Lillard was then waived and re-signed with Portland on a team-friendly deal.
According to Haynes, the Bucks have “done their homework” on another star guard with a lengthy injury history.
“The Milwaukee Bucks are in desperate pursuit of looking on the trade market for a difference-maker type of player,” Haynes said.
Bucks Looking for "Difference-Maker" says Haynes
The difference-maker in mind is high-flying Sacramento Kings shooting guard Zach LaVine. The 30-year-old is a two-time All-Star and a proven scorer wherever he’s played.
Stints with the Timberwolves, Bulls, and Kings have led LaVine to a 20.8 points-per-game career average in his 12 years in the league. LaVine tore his ACL in 2017 in Minnesota but has only dealt with minor injuries since.
According to Haynes, LaVine is “on their radar, as Giannis has applied pressure for the Bucks to make moves.”
Haynes says, “The Bucks are buyers,” and LaVine fits the profile of a potential target. The two-time All-Star has appeared in just one playoff series during the 2021–22 season with Chicago, and with the Kings still far from true contention, Sacramento could be open to moving a veteran scorer for future assets.
Bucks pieces like Bobby Portis or Kyle Kuzma have enough trade value and cap value to get the trade done.
With significant rumours swirling of Antetokounmpo wanting out, the clock is ticking for the Bucks front office to find a new star to pair with the seemingly frustrated veteran.