Finding a new partner for the Greek Freak! Bucks reportedly exploring trades involving LaVine and Simmons: Kuzma and Portis could be key assets

On November 27th Beijing time, the Milwaukee Bucks are actively exploring the trade market to find a new teammate for Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to insider Scotto, the names of LaVine and Anfernee Simons have appeared on their radar. It should be noted this is only an initial inquiry, not a full-fledged pursuit.

The Kings currently stand at 5 wins and 13 losses, and are expected to listen to trade offers for nearly all their veteran players. LaVine and DeRozan are undoubtedly the most sought-after names. Scotto added that even Sabonis might be included in trade talks. With a new management team in place, the franchise is heading in a new direction and has opened the door wide for trades.

The Bucks’ situation is different: this summer, they created salary cap space to sign Myles Turner, and their total payroll is currently about $11.5 million below the luxury tax threshold.

They have the capacity to absorb salaries, but the challenge lies in LaVine’s contract size. This season, he earns $47.5 million, and next season he holds a $49 million player option. To match that salary, the Bucks would almost certainly need to include Kuzma and at least one key rotation player, most likely Portis.

Trading two starters for a high-paid scorer with injury history and defensive weaknesses? The Bucks will undoubtedly need to carefully weigh this decision.

It’s worth mentioning that Kuzma was previously a target of the Kings. Scotto noted that the former Kings management highly valued him, and both Kuzma and Kings owner Rana Deev are investors in the American Professional Volleyball League. However, it remains unclear if the new Kings management shares the same view on Kuzma.

As for the other player the Bucks are interested in, Anfernee Simons, his $27.7 million contract expires this season, making salary matching much easier than with LaVine. The Celtics might also be open to negotiations if they can complete a suitable trade to avoid the luxury tax. However, they currently have no intention of including a first-round pick to move Simons.

So far this season, LaVine averages 20.5 points per game, shooting 49.8% from the field, 38.6% from three, and 89.3% from the free-throw line; Simons, coming off the bench, averages 14.4 points with shooting splits of 44.8%, 41.1%, and 86.2% respectively.