ARTICLE AD BOX
Milwaukee Bucks vs Portland Trail Blazers (Image via Howard Lao/AP)
In a move that signals their unrelenting commitment to championship contention, the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly exploring a blockbuster three-team trade to acquire $160 million forward Jerami Grant.
The proposed trade, originally outlined by Joe Mayo for SI.com, could reshape Milwaukee’s lineup heading into the 2024-25 season, as they aim to maximize Giannis Antetokounmpo’s prime years.
The Proposed Three-Team Trade Breakdown
According to the mock deal suggested by Sports Illustrated, the trade would involve the Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Atlanta Hawks in the following configuration:
Team | Receives |
Bucks | Jerami Grant, 2027 second-round pick (via ATL) |
Trail Blazers | Kyle Kuzma, AJ Green, Tyler Smith, 2032 first-round pick swap (via MKE) |
Hawks | Andre Jackson Jr. |
This potential deal would see Milwaukee part ways with Kyle Kuzma after just half a season, alongside some promising young assets, to secure a high-ceiling scorer in Grant.
Kuzma’s Short Stint in Milwaukee
Jerami Grant of the Blazers (Image via Getty)
Kyle Kuzma, who joined the Milwaukee Bucks at the 2024-25 trade deadline, played 33 regular-season games for Milwaukee. While his averages—14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 31.8 minutes per game—were solid, his postseason performance raised concerns.Despite high expectations, Kuzma struggled in the playoffs, leading some within the organization to question whether he is the right fit for Milwaukee’s long-term vision.
Jerami Grant: High Risk, High Reward?
Jerami Grant, a 31-year-old forward, is coming off a season hampered by a right knee injury that rendered him nearly invisible for Portland after the All-Star break. However, prior to that downturn, Grant had established himself as a consistent scoring option, averaging at least 19 points per game for four consecutive seasons.
Season | Games Played | Points Per Game |
2019–20 | 71 | 12.0 |
2020–21 | 54 | 22.3 |
2021–22 | 47 | 19.2 |
2022–23 | 63 | 20.5 |
Injuries have limited his availability in recent years, with no season exceeding 63 games since 2020.
However, when healthy, Grant’s versatility on both ends of the floor could fill the void left by Kuzma and offer Milwaukee more playoff stability.
What This Means for the Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks’ front office has made it clear that they are all-in. From waiving Damian Lillard to adding Myles Turner and now potentially targeting Jerami Grant, Milwaukee is pulling no punches. According to Joe Mayo, “If the Bucks are committed to moving off Kuzma, Grant could be a viable replacement.”The trade would cost the Bucks some of their future capital, including a 2032 first-round pick swap, but acquiring a player of Grant’s caliber aligns with their win-now philosophy in an Eastern Conference without a clear-cut favorite.Also read: NBA Trade News: Los Angeles Lakers Add 6-foot-5 Warriors Guard and Christian Koloko on Two-Way Deals to Bolster Defense and DepthIf Grant can recover from his knee issues and return to form, this trade could pay major dividends. It’s a gamble—but one that might be necessary for the Milwaukee Bucks to keep their championship window open. Whether it happens or not, Milwaukee’s front office is clearly exploring every option to build a roster that can deliver another title to Wisconsin.