The reality for the Milwaukee Bucks is either to shake up parts of their roster or lose superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks’ front office should, of course, attack the earlier option first to delay a possible rebuild. By moving key pieces of the rotation, such as Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis, the Bucks can find the root of their problems. If the losing proceeds following a change in the lineup, a coaching change becomes a serious reality despite the hefty contract paid to Doc Rivers not long ago.
One trade, as previously mentioned, is dealing the veteran center, Lopez. His interior defense and floor stretching have been great helps to the Bucks in past years, but his production is dwindling with each passing day. Sending him to a team with a less stressful role for him could benefit both parties involved.
FanSided proposed the following trade between the Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers:
Bucks receive: Rui Hachimura, Max Christie
Lakers receive: Brook Lopez, Andre Jackson Jr., 2031 second-round pick
Hachimura’s mixture of age, contract length, and skillset make him a perfect addition for the Bucks. The 26-year-old is under contract for next season before hitting free agency in the summer of 2026. His deal should perfectly align with the Bucks deciding if Antetokounmpo will remain as their cornerstone or if the front office kicks off a rebuild. The superstar tandem committing to the Bucks long-term likely means a contract extension for Hachimura.
As for his style of play, Milwaukee could enter games with a much less traditional approach than with Lopez at center. By starting a frontcourt of Antetokounmpo and Hachimura, it allows for a respected amount of size without a true center.
It’s also important to note his production has not taken a hit this season, averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds on 39% shooting and 46.9% from three-point range.