Milwaukee Bucks Reportedly Explored Trades for Marcus Smart and Andrew Wiggins Signaling Possible Roster Shakeup Ahead of New Season
The Milwaukee Bucks, a team perpetually in win-now mode, have reportedly explored potential trades for Marcus Smart of the Memphis Grizzlies and Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors, according to respected NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. While nothing appears imminent, the mere exploration of such deals suggests a significant shift in the Bucks’ mindset heading into the 2025–26 NBA season. After a disappointing playoff exit and the recent resignation of head coach Doc Rivers, Milwaukee’s front office is clearly signaling that changes are not only on the table—they might be inevitable.
The Bucks have long operated with a championship-or-bust mentality ever since their 2021 NBA title. With a core centered around two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and future Hall of Famer Damian Lillard, the expectation has always been contention. However, following a second straight early playoff exit and mounting concerns about roster age, depth, and defensive inconsistency, it seems Milwaukee is now actively assessing ways to recalibrate around its stars. The names being floated—Smart and Wiggins—are telling. Both are defense-first players with playoff pedigree, and their inclusion in trade discussions suggests the Bucks are seeking to address their most glaring weakness: perimeter defense.
Marcus Smart, a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, is widely respected around the league for his toughness, leadership, and versatility on the defensive end. His stint in Memphis was unfortunately marred by injuries, and with the Grizzlies looking to reshape their roster around Ja Morant, Smart could be viewed as expendable depending on the direction the team takes. For the Bucks, Smart would represent a return to the gritty, guard-focused defense they lost when Jrue Holiday was dealt to acquire Lillard. While Lillard’s offensive brilliance is undeniable, his lack of defensive prowess has left the Bucks vulnerable, especially when opponents target pick-and-rolls or attack the perimeter in late-game situations.
Adding Smart to the mix would bring defensive tenacity, playoff experience, and vocal leadership. He doesn’t need the ball to impact the game and has consistently proven that he can make winning plays in clutch moments. He’s also a high-IQ player who understands rotations, switches, and the kind of physicality needed to win in May and June. If the Bucks can find a deal that doesn’t involve losing a core starter—perhaps something centered around young pieces, future picks, or expiring contracts—it could be one of the savviest moves of the offseason.
Then there’s Andrew Wiggins, who has had a rollercoaster NBA career but found redemption and resurgence with the Golden State Warriors, particularly during their 2022 championship run. Wiggins was arguably the Warriors’ second-best player in those Finals, serving as a two-way force who guarded elite wings, crashed the glass, and hit timely shots. Though his offensive consistency has wavered since, his skill set would fit snugly with Milwaukee’s current needs. At 6-foot-7 with athleticism, length, and defensive instincts, Wiggins could provide valuable wing depth and versatility—something the Bucks sorely lacked this past season.
The potential interest in Wiggins also reflects a broader shift in team-building philosophy. For years, Milwaukee’s roster has leaned heavily on older, slower players who thrive in half-court sets but struggle to defend in transition or switch across multiple positions. Wiggins, while not a superstar, would give the team a jolt of athleticism and defensive switchability. He’s also a capable scorer who doesn’t need high usage to be effective, making him an ideal third or fourth option behind Giannis, Lillard, and Khris Middleton.
What’s particularly interesting about the reported trade discussions is how they frame Milwaukee’s urgency. These aren’t long-term, developmental moves. Smart and Wiggins are both veteran contributors who have proven themselves on the biggest stage. Acquiring either would clearly be a signal to the rest of the league that the Bucks are not looking to retool—they’re looking to reload and go all-in once again. And with Giannis entering the back half of his prime and Lillard not getting any younger, the clock is very much ticking.
But what would it take to land either Smart or Wiggins? For Smart, the Grizzlies may seek a combination of younger players like MarJon Beauchamp, draft capital, or perhaps a mid-tier salary match in the form of Pat Connaughton or Malik Beasley. Given Smart’s injury history and age, the price may not be prohibitive. Wiggins, on the other hand, has a sizable contract that could complicate matters. Any trade for him would likely require significant salary-matching assets—perhaps including Bobby Portis or Brook Lopez—along with draft considerations. The Warriors may also be looking to cut costs or get younger, making a multi-team deal a possibility.
Regardless of the logistics, the mere fact that Milwaukee is exploring such options speaks volumes about their internal evaluation. The Bucks seem to recognize that standing pat is no longer a viable option. The core group that won the 2021 title is now older, more injury-prone, and less capable of withstanding the grind of the NBA playoffs. That doesn’t mean a rebuild is coming—but it does mean reconfiguration is necessary.
There’s also the matter of Giannis’ mindset. Throughout his career, Giannis has made it clear that he values winning and organizational alignment above all else. He wants to compete for titles every season, and he’s not shy about voicing frustration when the team fails to meet expectations. Keeping Giannis happy means making bold, proactive moves to put the best possible roster around him. Pursuing players like Smart and Wiggins sends a message—not only to Giannis but to the league at large—that Milwaukee is willing to be aggressive.
In many ways, this is the natural evolution of a team trying to extend its championship window. Every great team eventually hits a crossroads where they must decide whether to ride it out with aging stars or shuffle the deck and try to recapture the magic. For the Bucks, the latter appears to be the route they’re considering. And with players like Smart and Wiggins potentially available, the timing may be perfect.
Of course, there are risks. Smart has battled injuries and his offensive efficiency can be hit-or-miss. Wiggins, despite his talent, has struggled with motivation and consistency at times. Chemistry is another consideration—adding strong personalities to a locker room already featuring Giannis, Lillard, and Middleton requires careful management. But these are calculated risks, and in today’s NBA, calculated risks are how championships are won.
Looking around the Eastern Conference, the Bucks know they can’t afford to fall behind. The Boston Celtics are deep and dominant. The Indiana Pacers are young and ascending. The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are making moves. Standing still is not an option. Milwaukee’s margin for error is shrinking, and the front office seems well aware of that reality.
The Smart and Wiggins rumors are likely just the tip of the iceberg. As the offseason progresses, expect the Bucks to be active in pursuing trades, vetting coaching candidates, and reshaping the roster to better complement their stars. Whether a deal materializes for either player remains to be seen, but the intention is clear: Milwaukee is not satisfied with how last season ended, and they’re determined to do something about it.
In the end, exploring trades for players like Marcus Smart and Andrew Wiggins isn’t just about filling gaps—it’s about making a statement. The Bucks are still in the hunt. Still aiming high. Still building around one of the greatest players in the world. And now, with the offseason heating up, every move counts. The ball is in their court.
