The Milwaukee Bucks are actively surveying the trade market as they search for roster upgrades amid a difficult start to the 2025–26 season. League sources indicate the front office is weighing multiple options but faces limited flexibility.
According to Jamal Collier of ESPN, Milwaukee has held internal discussions involving Sacramento guard Malik Monk and Portland forward Jerami Grant. The report also noted prior interest in Zach LaVine, though resource constraints complicate any major move.
General manager Jon Horst is operating with restricted draft capital, which significantly narrows Milwaukee’s range of outcomes The Bucks currently control only one tradable first-round pick, either in 2031 or 2032, and league sources believe it would be moved only for a high-level star.
Grant’s profile fits a clear positional need for Milwaukee. The veteran forward is averaging 20.0 points per game for the Portland Trail Blazers, while shooting 38.9 percent from three and providing versatile scoring from the frontcourt.
At 31, Grant offers size, shooting, and defensive flexibility at both forward spots. His ability to operate as a secondary scorer would relieve pressure from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who continues to carry a heavy offensive load.
Monk represents a different type of solution. The 27-year-old guard is averaging 12.1 points in a reserve role for the Sacramento Kings, while shooting over 40 percent from three-point range.
Milwaukee’s guard rotation has struggled to consistently generate offense beyond Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins. Monk’s ability to score off the dribble and space the floor could address a recurring half-court issue.
The Bucks currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference at 14–19, well below preseason expectations. Their net rating reflects the imbalance, with the team scoring 113.0 points per game while allowing 115.9.
Despite strong individual production from Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee has lacked lineup continuity and two-way consistency. Injuries and frequent rotation changes have further complicated the team’s early-season rhythm.
Any pursuit of Grant or Monk would likely require Milwaukee to part with rotation players rather than premium draft assets. That limitation increases the challenge of matching salary and satisfying trade partners.
