Mock trade teases Bucks reunion to give Giannis Antetokounmpo a defensive boost

Lillard became the most talented teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo has ever played with, but the pairing never meshed as seamlessly as Antetokounmpo and Holiday, and the Bucks failed to get back on track.

After cutting ties with Lillard’s remaining contract, the Bucks brought in Myles Turner to take over Brook Lopez’s role as a floor-spacing center. Antetokounmpo has openly embraced taking on more of a facilitating role, even though he is not a conventional point guard.

On top of that, outside of Antetokounmpo, the Bucks lack true defensive versatility.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday’s Bucks reunion?

Even past his prime, Jrue Holiday remains one of the league’s toughest on-ball defenders.

“In a potential trade, the Trail Blazers could send Holiday to the Bucks in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Ryan Rollins, and draft capital,” Athlon’s Nathaniel Holloway suggested on September 23rd.

The Trailblazers finished last season on a strong note and might chase a playoff spot this year, but Holiday does not match their timeline, while young guards such as Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson are set to take on major roles.

Kuzma and Rollins may not be huge game-changers, but they are younger than Holiday and on shorter deals, giving the Trail Blazers more flexibility for the future. The Bucks, with limited draft assets, cannot finalize a trade until mid-January, by which time both teams will have a clearer sense of their needs.

With the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers projected to slip, the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks are positioned as favorites in the East. Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, and Philadelphia 76ers are all expected to provide serious challenges.

Antetokounmpo remains the best player in the East and could rival Nikola Jokic as the best in the world if he expands his playmaking. Potentially adding Holiday’s defense and off-ball scoring would give the Bucks a stronger, well-rounded trio alongside Antetokounmpo and Turner, positioning them to make a leap.