Giannis Antetokounmpo pushes Milwaukee Bucks towards bold trade for All-Star guard

Haynes has reported that the Bucks are looking at Zach LaVine of the Sacramento Kings as a potential addition to strengthen their line-up.

The Kings have struggled early in the season, starting 6-21, which may push them towards moving players like LaVine as they consider a rebuild.

Haynes told NBA on Prime: “The latest right now is the Milwaukee Bucks are in desperate pursuit in trying to look out on the trade market and see if they can bring in a difference-maker type of player.

“Sources have relayed to me that they are canvassing the market, and one of the guys that I’ve identified is Zach LaVine and the Sacramento Kings. He is one player that they have done their homework on.

“There haven’t been any concrete, serious talks at this point, but he’s somebody who is on their radar as Giannis Antetokounmpo has put some pressure on the Bucks to make some moves. The Bucks I am told are buyers, and they are trying to find a way to bring in a difference-maker type of player onto their roster.”

This move would be another attempt by Milwaukee after already spending heavily on trades for Damian Lillard and signing Myles Turner from Indiana during the offseason.

LaVine would not be an ideal fit, potentially crowding space inside for Antetokounmpo. But given how little flexibility Milwaukee have left, there are not many better options available to them at this point.

Milwaukee Bucks would have to give up recently signed star to trade for Zach LaVine

Bringing in LaVine would not be a simple deal for Milwaukee. With the team already sitting deep into the second apron, salary matching becomes a challenge. The most straightforward path involves sending out Turner’s contract, making him the likely candidate to move.

Because the Bucks are deep in the second apron of the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the only contract that would match LaVine’s $47.5 million salary is Turner’s.

One way they could make the numbers work is by packaging Turner’s deal with Kyle Kuzma’s and including draft picks to convince Sacramento to take the offer.

The Kings’ asking price is not clear, but it would likely involve multiple future assets. That is a tough sell for Milwaukee, who do not look like they are just one piece away from competing at the top of the league.

Still, given Giannis’ importance to the franchise, it appears that any move necessary will be considered if it keeps him on board long-term.