The Milwaukee Bucks are examining potential trade avenues as they navigate an inconsistent 8-10 start, and Zach LaVine is among the players the front office has evaluated.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Bucks have “conducted background due diligence on Zach LaVine and others around the league,” though league sources told him that “nothing is imminent” as Giannis Antetokounmpo nears a return from a low-grade adductor strain.
LaVine is averaging 20.5 points in 33.5 minutes for the 5-13 Kings, who have struggled to find rhythm despite the scoring production of DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis. His contract remains one of the largest among NBA guards, with two seasons left on a five-year, $215 million deal that includes a player option for 2026-27.
Milwaukee’s interest is exploratory at this stage, but an important detail emerges from Scotto’s report. Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma and Kings governor Vivek Ranadive both invested in Major League Volleyball, and Kuzma’s name has circulated in Sacramento-related trade discussions for several seasons. That overlap could become relevant if conversations progress.
The Bucks are searching for ways to stabilize their offense during Antetokounmpo’s absence. The two-time MVP is averaging 31.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists across 13 games, and Milwaukee’s attack has lacked efficiency without his presence. Ryan Rollins is contributing 18.2 points per game, while Kuzma adds 13.6 points and 4.4 boards, but the club has struggled to generate consistent perimeter creation.
LaVine’s ability to generate shots off the dribble could appeal to Milwaukee’s front office, particularly alongside a healthy Antetokounmpo and the floor spacing of Myles Turner and Bobby Portis. LaVine is still one of the league’s most dynamic high-volume scorers, though his defensive limitations and contract size remain factors that each potential trade partner must weigh.
Sacramento, meanwhile, sits near the bottom of the Western Conference standings despite 18.7 points from DeRozan and a 17.2-point, 12.3-rebound start from Sabonis.
