The Milwaukee Bucks have no choice but to drastically improve their roster, or risk losing Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The two-time league MVP is entering the last two years of his contract and becomes extension eligible at the end of the 2025-26 season, and then he'll have the choice of re-upping with Milwaukee or requesting a trade under the threat of his looming free agency.
If the Bucks want to make sure the Greek Freak signs an extension with the team that drafted him, they'll be aggressive in upgrading their team to keep themselves competitive and stay in his good graces.
Bucks Trade Idea Lands Jrue Holiday From Trail Blazers
In a trade idea proposed by Athlon Sports' Nathaniel Holloway, the Bucks would acquire their former point guard, Jrue Holiday, from the Portland Trail Blazers.
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Jrue Holiday
Portland Trail Blazers receive: Kyle Kuzma, Ryan Rollins, draft capital
"For Portland, swapping Holiday for Kuzma and Rollins could be a solid move, though they may not want to acquire Kuzma after his struggles at the end of last season," wrote Holloway.
"If that is not the case, adding Kuzma would upgrade Portland’s forward rotation as he would give them another solid scorer who averaged 14.9 points per game last season. Portland could also look to move Kuzma later down the road if his fit does not work out, which could net them more young talent and draft capital."
While Portland gets younger and adds to their stockpile of young talent and draft picks, the Bucks get back a proven, championship-caliber point guard to improve their outlook in a weakened Eastern Conference.
Antetokounmpo will be pleased to once again play with one of his former co-stars from the Bucks' 2021 championship, and with Holiday under contract through 2028, it may be enough to keep him around long-term.
More Bucks news:
- Bucks blockbuster trade idea ships Giannis Antetokounmpo to Eastern Conference rival for haul
- Bucks trade idea lands $162.5 million point guard, former Sixth Man of the Year runner-up
- Bucks trade idea lands $109 million two-way forward to appease Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Bucks hangs in the balance with 'line in the sand' deadline