Why Ja Morant isn’t the answer the Bucks are looking for 2 Dec 15, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (left) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shake hands after the game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Bucks face steep price to pair Ja Morant with Giannis Antetokounmpo

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 4:27 AM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks are looking to strengthen their roster and have been linked to Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant. NBA insider Michael Scotto reports that the two teams have engaged in trade talks, with the Grizzlies outlining their asking price for Morant.

“The Milwaukee Bucks have canvassed the trade market in search of talent upgrades around Antetokounmpo, including the possibility of acquiring Morant. In trade discussions for Morant, the Grizzlies have desired Milwaukee’s 2031 or 2032 first-round pick and Most Improved Player of the Year candidate Ryan Rollins, league sources told HoopsHype,” according to the NBA insider.

If the trade proposal was made a year ago, and that the Grizzlies would demand a first-round pick plus Bucks starting guard Ryan Rollins for Morant, most would have laughed. Rollins was still on a two-way deal with the Bucks back then and only earned a standard NBA contract in March 2025. His value has surged this season, leaving questions about whether such a trade would truly benefit Milwaukee.

Rollins is putting up strong numbers in 2025-26 for the Bucks, averaging 16.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game while shooting 39.4 percent from three. At 23 years old, he presents a promising option alongside their superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Ja Morant’s fit with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks

How much would the 17-24 Bucks improve if they traded Rollins for Morant? It largely depends on which version of the two-time All-Star shows up. In 2025-26, Morant is averaging 19.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game, but he is shooting just 20.8 percent from three.

In a perfect world, you want a shooter alongside Antetokounmpo, and Morant’s inefficient shooting and limited availability, with only 68 games played since last season, adds a significant injury risk.

Insider notes Bucks are in limbo until they trade Giannis Antetokounmpo 1 Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrate in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Regarding players the Bucks might be willing to trade, Scotto mentioned two names: Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis.

“The Bucks, meanwhile, have gauged the trade value of forwards Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis on the market across the league, sources said. Both players could be included in a Morant trade to make the salary requirements work under CBA rules, but would leave Milwaukee thin in the frontcourt,” Scotto added.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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