Panic is a strong word. But honestly, looking at the standings right now, what else do you call it? The Milwaukee Bucks are sitting at 17-23, stuck in 11th place in the Eastern Conference as of mid-January 2026. This wasn't the plan.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is still doing Giannis things, averaging over 29 points a night, but the team around him is basically a revolving door of injuries and "almost" wins. They just dropped a game to the Nuggets and are staring down a brutal matchup against a surprisingly sharp Spurs squad. If you’re looking for Milwaukee Bucks news and rumors, the headline isn't just about a bad week—it’s about a potential roster explosion before the February 5 trade deadline.
The Zach LaVine Smoke is Real
The biggest rumor gainng serious traction involves Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine. Sources like the Grand Pinnacle Tribune have linked the Bucks to a massive mid-season pivot that would send LaVine to Milwaukee. To get him, the Bucks would likely have to cough up a package including Cole Anthony, Bobby Portis, and Kyle Kuzma.
Losing Portis would hurt. He’s the emotional heartbeat of the Fiserv Forum. But the Bucks rank 26th in the league in scoring. They can't put the ball in the hoop consistently, and LaVine is a walking bucket who could theoretically pull defenders away from Giannis.
There's a catch, though. LaVine is owed nearly $48 million this year. Milwaukee’s cap situation is a nightmare, and they only really control their 2031 and 2032 first-round picks. It’s a "sell your house to buy a Ferrari" kind of move.
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What about Ja Morant?
While LaVine seems like the primary target, Ja Morant’s name has popped up in the mix too. He’s been linked to Miami, but some insiders suggest Milwaukee has made calls. Morant is averaging 19 points and 7.6 assists, but he’s only played 18 games this season because of injuries and off-court stuff.
Pairing Ja with Giannis would be the most athletic duo in NBA history. But can he shoot well enough to keep the floor spaced? Probably not. The consensus among analysts is that LaVine fits the current half-court sets under Doc Rivers much better than Morant would.
Giannis and the "Trade Request" Drama
Every time the Bucks lose three in a row, the national media starts the "Giannis is leaving" clock. Last week, he told reporters he loves Milwaukee too much to ask for a trade. Then, after a particularly frustrating loss where the fans actually booed, he gave a double-thumbs down back to the crowd.
It’s complicated. He’s the all-time leader in basically every category for this franchise. He wants to win. But the team is currently 12 games back from the top-seeded Detroit Pistons (yeah, you read that right—the Pistons are good now).
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The Silver Lining (That Giannis Hates)
If the season keeps sliding sideways, the Bucks are actually on track for a top-10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. This draft is loaded with names like Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa.
Milwaukee hasn't had a lottery pick since 2016 when they took Thon Maker. Adding a generational talent alongside an aging Giannis could extend the window, but Antetokounmpo isn't exactly the "wait for a rookie to develop" type of guy. He wants help today.
Current Roster Struggles and Injuries
The injury report has been a constant thorn. Taurean Prince is still out following neck surgery, and Myles Turner—who was a huge off-season addition—is currently day-to-day with an illness.
Doc Rivers is taking a lot of heat. Despite having a championship pedigree, his 2025-26 Bucks are second-to-last in total rebounds per game. You can’t win in the playoffs if you can’t finish a defensive possession with a board.
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- AJ Green has been a bright spot, hitting three triples a game at a 43% clip.
- Kevin Porter Jr. is putting up 18 points and 8 assists, but the chemistry still feels... off.
- Ryan Rollins has stepped up recently, averaging 13.3 points in January, but he's not the "second star" this team needs to jump into the top six of the East.
What's Next for the Bucks?
The next three weeks are everything. If Jon Horst decides to stand pat, he's basically saying this season is a wash and they'll try again with a high draft pick. If he moves Portis and Kuzma for LaVine, it's an all-in gamble that could either save the season or bankrupt the franchise's future.
Keep a close eye on the January 15 game against San Antonio. Facing Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox (who is thriving in Texas) will be a massive litmus test for whether this current roster has any fight left.
Actionable Insights for Bucks Fans:
- Monitor the February 5 Deadline: If a LaVine trade happens, expect it to break 48-72 hours before the actual deadline as the Kings look to maximize their return.
- Watch the Injury Report: Giannis is currently probable with a left ankle sprain; any setback there likely ends the season's competitive hopes.
- Check the Standings: Milwaukee is only 1.5 games out of the play-in spot. A three-game win streak changes the entire narrative from "rebuild" to "retool."