Bucks predicted to trade for 26.1 PPG forward to help Giannis Antetokounmpo

Jeremy Beren

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Bucks predicted to trade for 26.1 PPG forward to help Giannis Antetokounmpo image

David Banks-Imagn Images

Giannis Antetokounmpo says he is "invested" in the Milwaukee Bucks.

And now, the Bucks are being predicted to make a bold move to demonstrate their investment in building another NBA championship contender around their longtime superstar.

Buoyed by Antetokounmpo's public statement about trade rumors involving him, the Bucks have until the Feb. 5 trade deadline to acquire some help for the Greek Freak.

After losing to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night, the Bucks remain on the outside looking in of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Despite Antetokounmpo's 34 points against the Warriors, the Bucks suffered a 120-113 defeat; at 16-21, Milwaukee is one game behind the 10-seed Chicago Bulls for the final play-in spot.

MORE: Giannis Antetokounmpo makes emphatic statement on Bucks trade request rumors

ESPN has predicted that the Bucks will take a big swing before the deadline. Kevin Pelton has the Bucks making a move to acquire Brooklyn Nets sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. In a three-team trade that looks like this:

Bucks get:

Michael Porter Jr.

Nets get:

Kyle Kuzma
Taurean Prince
2031 first-round pick (via Bucks)

Pistons get:

Cole Anthony
Cash considerations

Porter is in the midst of a career year in Brooklyn, and the Nets are focused on acquiring future draft assets while maintaining flexibility amid their rebuild.

If the Bucks were to acquire Porter, Antetokounmpo would have a reliable secondary scoring option that he has not enjoyed all season to date. And it could key a swift rise up the standings for Milwaukee.

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Contributing Writer