Bucks Look to Add Key Piece to Keep Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly exploring every avenue to ensure Giannis Antetokounmpo remains committed to the franchise, with the team looking to make key moves ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.

The reigning Eastern Conference champions appear determined to surround the “Greek Freak” with the support necessary to compete for a title and potentially secure a contract extension.

CBS Sports writer Sam Quinn suggested a trade scenario that could benefit both Milwaukee and Portland: sending Kyle Kuzma, Gary Harris, and a pick swap to the Trail Blazers in exchange for forward Jerami Grant. Quinn emphasized that while the Bucks may have once explored trading Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat in a hypothetical scenario, the organization’s current focus is on strengthening the roster to entice the superstar to stay.

“Jerami Grant makes around $10 million more than Kyle Kuzma and is under contract for an additional year. He’s a better player than Kuzma, so the Bucks would get an upgrade while taking on extra money,” Quinn explained. “For Portland, having added Jrue Holiday on a similar deal, there’s less incentive to keep another long-term contract attached to an older player. The Blazers save significant salary flexibility while moving a player who may decline before they are ready to contend in the playoffs.”

Grant, who has long been linked to trade rumors as the Blazers navigated a rebuilding phase, could now become a realistic target. After missing 14 games with an Achilles injury, he is reportedly nearing a return. Before the injury, Grant averaged 20 points per game, providing Milwaukee with a high-level scorer capable of enhancing the team’s playoff chances in the Eastern Conference.

This potential trade could also address concerns about Kuzma, who has struggled to meet expectations since joining the Bucks in the previous Khris Middleton trade. Bringing in a proven contributor like Grant might be exactly what Milwaukee needs to solidify its title hopes and reinforce the foundation for the Giannis era.

With the trade deadline approaching, Bucks fans will be watching closely to see if management can make the right moves to keep their superstar and reshape the team for the postseason push.