The NBA offseason is often a time of speculation, intrigue, and bold moves, and this year the Eastern Conference looks poised for a shakeup that could significantly alter the landscape of title contention. Among the whispers and rumors circulating, one trade idea stands out not just for its complexity but for its potential to reshape the Milwaukee Bucks into a genuine dark horse contender. The proposed three-team trade involving the Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Atlanta Hawks could bring Jerami Grant to Milwaukee, a move that, while costly, might be exactly what the Bucks need to challenge the dominant forces in the East.
This trade, first reported by Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell and Rohan Raman, is intricate in its construction but straightforward in its intent. The Portland Trail Blazers would receive Kyle Kuzma, AJ Green, Tyler Smith, and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick swap from Milwaukee. The Bucks would acquire Jerami Grant and a 2027 second-round pick from Atlanta, and the Hawks would add Andre Jackson Jr. purely for salary matching purposes. At first glance, the price seems steep—an unprotected first-round pick swap nearly a decade away, along with multiple players—but when considering the broader picture, the rationale becomes clear.
Kyle Kuzma has been a puzzling fit in Milwaukee. After arriving with expectations of bolstering the Bucks’ wing depth and adding scoring punch, Kuzma’s time in Milwaukee has been marked by inconsistency and questions about how well he meshes with the team’s star-driven style, particularly alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks, as a franchise always in win-now mode, cannot afford to carry players who do not contribute effectively, especially as their championship window remains open but increasingly narrow. Moving Kuzma and acquiring Jerami Grant in return represents a strategic pivot to get a player whose skill set and versatility complement Milwaukee’s core.
Jerami Grant, though he experienced a noticeable dip in production during the 2024-25 season, has proven himself as a high-level contributor capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor. His 2023-24 season was particularly impressive: over 51 games, he averaged 24 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. These numbers showcase a forward capable of scoring efficiently, facilitating when needed, and providing solid rebounding numbers. His two-way ability—effective on defense and versatile on offense—makes him a coveted player for any team aiming for a championship run.
The decline in his stats last season—dropping to 14.4 points per game over 47 games—can largely be attributed to several contextual factors. Portland’s young core has begun to emerge and take on larger roles, which naturally cut into Grant’s offensive opportunities. Additionally, injury setbacks hampered his consistency and ability to perform at the highest level. Yet, these challenges do not erase the fact that Grant remains a fundamentally sound, athletic, and versatile forward who can thrive in the right system and with the right usage.
Milwaukee’s interest in Grant aligns with the strategic needs of their roster. Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the most dominant players in the league, operates primarily from the 4-spot but often drifts into multiple roles thanks to his unique skill set. Surrounding Giannis with players who can defend multiple positions, stretch the floor, and handle the ball effectively is crucial to maximizing the Bucks’ championship aspirations. Grant fits this mold perfectly as a 3-and-D forward who can guard several positions and attack the basket aggressively.
If Grant can recapture even a portion of his previous form, the Bucks would be receiving a player whose contract reflects his value—he signed a five-year, \$160 million deal based on his peak performance. This investment signals confidence that Grant can bounce back and contribute at a high level again. His addition would also address Milwaukee’s need for more consistent secondary scoring options, relieving pressure on both Giannis and their primary perimeter shooters.
On the Blazers’ side, acquiring Kyle Kuzma, AJ Green, Tyler Smith, and the unprotected 2032 first-round pick swap could be seen as a move aimed at accumulating assets for a rebuild or retooling phase. Kuzma offers scoring and some veteran presence, Green and Smith are younger pieces with potential, and the future pick swap offers significant long-term value, particularly as Milwaukee is expected to remain a playoff contender. For Portland, the trade allows them to shed Grant’s contract, which might have become too expensive or less useful given their changing roster dynamics, and gain flexibility to develop young talent or pursue other roster moves.
Atlanta’s role in the trade, receiving Andre Jackson Jr. for salary purposes, is more about managing the financial mechanics of the deal rather than making a direct impact on their roster. Salary matching is a critical component of NBA trades under the current collective bargaining agreement, and teams like Atlanta often participate in deals primarily to facilitate smoother exchanges between other franchises.
From a strategic perspective, the Bucks’ pursuit of Jerami Grant makes sense on multiple fronts. Beyond just filling a role on the court, Grant brings a competitive edge and veteran experience that could energize Milwaukee’s locker room and provide Giannis with a reliable partner who understands playoff intensity. The Bucks have been dominant in the East for much of the past several years, but the conference is evolving, with teams like the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers all loaded with talent and hungry to dethrone Milwaukee.
Grant’s ability to guard multiple positions is particularly valuable in an era where positional versatility is essential. He can switch on defense, cover wings and forwards, and provide help defense without creating mismatches. Offensively, his capacity to attack off the dribble, hit midrange jumpers, and occasionally stretch to the three-point line means he can fit into multiple offensive sets without requiring a complete overhaul of the Bucks’ system.
Moreover, the timing of the trade is significant. With the 2027 and 2032 picks involved, the Bucks are clearly focused on the short to medium term, prioritizing immediate contention over long-term asset accumulation. The 2032 unprotected pick swap is a steep price, especially given how far into the future it is, but it also underscores how much Milwaukee values Grant’s potential impact. The willingness to part with such a future asset shows a commitment to leveraging their current window while Giannis is still in his prime.
Grant’s dip in production last season should not be overlooked but should also be contextualized. Injury setbacks are common in the NBA, and a young team’s emergence can temporarily suppress a veteran’s output. The key question for Milwaukee’s front office and coaching staff will be how to reintegrate Grant into a system that allows him to thrive, regain confidence, and rediscover his scoring touch. With the Bucks’ talented supporting cast and coaching acumen, there is reason to be optimistic about a turnaround.
If the Bucks successfully pull off this trade, the ripple effects could be felt throughout the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee would add a dynamic, multi-dimensional forward capable of elevating their overall roster synergy. This addition could make them a more dangerous opponent in the playoffs, able to match up better defensively with the likes of Boston’s Jaylen Brown or Miami’s Jimmy Butler, while providing consistent secondary scoring support for Giannis.
Conversely, the Trail Blazers would be signaling a willingness to pivot and focus on asset building and roster flexibility. While they lose a key contributor in Grant, the pieces acquired offer the potential to build around young talent and reload for the future. The Hawks’ involvement, though minor in terms of player impact, helps facilitate the deal financially, enabling two other teams to execute their plans.
Ultimately, this potential trade is emblematic of the type of high-stakes maneuvering that can define a team’s trajectory in the NBA. The Bucks are seeking to avoid complacency, stay ahead of their competition, and address roster construction proactively. Jerami Grant represents a calculated risk—a player with a high ceiling who, if he returns to form, could be the missing piece in Milwaukee’s quest for another championship.
As the Eastern Conference becomes increasingly competitive and unpredictable, teams that can identify undervalued assets, manage salary cap complexities, and make bold trades will have the edge. Jerami Grant to Milwaukee fits that narrative perfectly. The cost is high, the reward potentially immense, and the impact could echo through the next several seasons. For Bucks fans and NBA observers alike, this trade idea offers an exciting glimpse into how one versatile forward could reshape the balance of power in one of the league’s most contested conferences.
