The Milwaukee Bucks might be eyeing Zach LaVine as the trade deadline nears. The Bucks are currently sitting among the top teams in the Eastern Conference, and are facing a tough challenge heading into the second half of the NBA season. While the team boasts the dominant duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks have been without one of their key players, Khris Middleton, for much of the year. Even when Middleton has been available, his performance has been far from the standard fans have come to expect. His shooting efficiency and overall stats have significantly dipped, making it clear that the Bucks need to make a move to stay competitive in the loaded Eastern Conference.
To address this, the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly exploring trade options involving Middleton, with one of their primary targets being Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine. According to The Athletic, the Bucks are looking to accomplish two objectives with this trade: “Cut enough salary from their payroll to get under the second apron—the only way the Bucks can legally complete a trade while aggregating contracts—and also add a talented, highly paid player to play next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the NBA’s top scoring duo.”
Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis, left, hugs Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, right, after an NBA basketball game Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
The proposed trade could see the Milwaukee Bucks acquiring Zach LaVine and forward Julian Phillips in exchange for Middleton and Bobby Portis. However, before the deal can proceed, Milwaukee would need to move Pat Connaughton, which would help them clear the necessary cap space. Additionally, it’s likely that future draft picks would be included in the deal to sweeten the offer for the Bulls.
This trade would be beneficial for the Bucks. Not only would it give them a third legitimate scoring option to pair with Lillard and Antetokounmpo, but it would also alleviate the cap space issues that come with being over the second apron. The Milwaukee Bucks have had moments of success but need another consistent scorer to contend with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks, all of whom have well-balanced rosters that could pose a threat in the playoffs.
For the Chicago Bulls, this trade would signal a shift toward a rebuilding phase. Moving Zach LaVine’s contract would help them build for the future, allowing them to shed a high-value player and potentially shift their focus to younger talent.
Also read: NBA Trade News: Golden State Warriors eyeing Bull’s $60 million All-Star center and Coby White ahead of drade deadline
The trade deadline approaches and the Bucks are clearly making decisions to ensure they remain a top contender in the East, with the hope that this strategic trade will provide the missing piece to their championship puzzle.