The Milwaukee Bucks are exploring roster changes as the trade deadline nears, with Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis emerging as the centerpieces of ongoing trade discussions. The Eastern Conference team is currently outside the playoff picture, sitting 11th at 17–23, which has increased internal pressure to retool the rotation.
NBA insider Evan Sidery reported Wednesday that Milwaukee is packaging Kuzma, Portis, and draft compensation in pursuit of an impact rotational upgrade. Sidery wrote on X: “The Bucks have been shopping a package of Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis and draft compensation during trade season for an impact rotational upgrade. Milwaukee has recently made trade overtures on Ja Morant, Zach LaVine, Michael Porter Jr., and Trey Murphy III to no avail thus far.”
The lack of traction on those high-level targets has not stopped the front office from canvassing the market. The franchise remains focused on improving lineup balance around Giannis Antetokounmpo, who continues to anchor the offense at 29.1 points per game while shooting 64.9 percent from the field.
Kuzma, 30, is in the third season of a four-year, $90 million contract and has played a flexible role in Milwaukee’s frontcourt. The veteran forward is averaging 12.5 points and 4.7 rebounds in 26.0 minutes per game, while shooting 51.1 percent overall, though his three-point efficiency has dipped to 32.3 percent.
Portis, also 30, is in the first year of a three-year, $43.6 million deal that includes a player option in the final season. The reserve big man is posting 13.0 points and 6.5 rebounds across 23.4 minutes, while converting 47.2 percent from beyond the arc on four attempts per game.
The team’s current structure leans heavily on Giannis and primary ball-handlers like Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins. That imbalance has made secondary scoring and wing defense key priorities as the organization evaluates trade options.
With Milwaukee 12 games back of first place in the East and the playoff cut line tightening, the coming weeks are expected to define the direction of the franchise’s 2025–26 season.
