Detroit Pistons Urged to Make Big Giannis Antetokounmpo Pursuit by 1 Analyst 8 Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) defends during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Milwaukee Bucks: Analyst Suggests Trade for Proven Career 39.2% Three-Point Shooter to Help Giannis Antetokounmpo

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 9:05 AM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks will likely continue to build around Giannis Antetokounmpo because the Greek Freak has shown no signs of planning to leave the team soon. With that in mind, ESPN recently shared several trade suggestions to bolster their squad.

Zach Kram recently pitched the Milwaukee Bucks to go after Brooklyn Nets swingman Cam Johnson in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2032 first-round pick swap.

“Given the Bucks’ extremely limited resources, who is the best current player they could conceivably add to support Giannis in a win-now posture? Johnson has never been an All-Star, but he has made immense strides in Brooklyn. Always a tremendous shooter (39% career on 3-pointers), he has become an accomplished multilevel scorer who could try to fill the Middleton-shaped hole on Milwaukee’s perimeter,” Kram explained.

Brooklyn Nets Rumors: Team to Take Interesting Approach to 2025 Offseason 6 Jan 1, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson (2) reacts after scoring a basket and earning a foul call against the Toronto Raptors in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

“Would the Nets do this deal? It’s a fairly light return for trading Johnson — an attractive trade target around the league — while taking back Kuzma’s contract. But the Bucks’ unprotected 2031 and 2032 picks might be so enticing that Brooklyn would go for it,” he added.

Milwaukee Bucks News: Giannis Antetokounmpo draws “underachiever” label from ESPN analyst

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith recently described Giannis Antetokounmpo as an “underachiever” if the two-time league MVP does not win another NBA championship. Smith’s take drew criticism from colleague Jay Williams.

Milwaukee Bucks: Analyst Suggests Trade for Proven Career 39.2% Three-Point Shooter to Help Giannis Antetokounmpo 3 Mar 9, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) runs down the court after making a basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

“That was one of your worst takes I’ve heard in a long time, man. That was horrible… I think we really need to do a better job of reframing some of these conversations,” Williams said to Smith on First Take.

Since winning the NBA championship in 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks have never advanced past the second round of the playoffs, including three consecutive first-round exits at the hands of the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers (twice).