Key Highlights
- There have been plenty of other rumblings -- chief among them, more drama surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo's future and potential landing spots for Anthony Davis. As we await the second trade of the season, what else could get done?
- ESPN's Zach Kram and Kevin Pelton map out six moves that could bolster contenders and alter the race to the postseason, while NBA Front Office Insider Bobby Marks examines how the deals would impact each franchise's future. Let's get to the trades, starting with the Milwaukee Bucks' latest attempt to build another championship roster around their two-time MVP. Jump to a trade proposal: Bucks land another Giannis co-star Lakers add much-needed shooting Warriors find a deal for Kuminga Timberwolves get their point guard Spurs add more help behind Wemby Raptors look west for big-man helpBucks build around Giannis AntetokounmpoMilwaukee Bucks get:Michael Porter Jr. Brooklyn Nets get:Kyle Kuzma Taurean Prince 2031 first-round pick (via Bucks)Detroit Pistons get:Cole Anthony Cash considerationsFor Milwaukee, no player is a better deadline addition than Porter, who would fill a role similar to what Khris Middleton once played for the Bucks and make them far more capable of succeeding when Antetokounmpo sits. Because Milwaukee is so far below the luxury tax line, it could comfortably add about $8 million in salary, converting three players who have been ineffective or unavailable (Prince underwent neck surgery in November that will likely end his season) into a player who deserves All-Star consideration. Would that result in a deep enough playoff run to justify Milwaukee giving up its lone remaining tradable first-round pick?
- Probably not, but if the Bucks are committed to fortifying the roster around Antetokounmpo, this deal is tough to top. From the Nets' standpoint, this would be an all-time piece of business.
- In the offseason deal to acquire Porter, Brooklyn also got an unprotected first-round pick from the Denver Nuggets and would add a second future pick from another team that is highly leveraged to win now. Left unsaid on the trade calls: If the Nets are interested in getting in on an Antetokounmpo deal at some point between now and the 2027 deadline, having Milwaukee's pick to offer would be an ideal starting point. The Pistons are involved as a third team solely because they can clear a roster spot and are nowhere near the luxury tax.
- They'd get cash to cover Anthony's salary and could waive him immediately, if they want.