Blockbuster Trade Rumor: Bucks, Hawks, and Wizards Eye Three-Team Deal to Reshape NBA Playoff Picture

After starting the season with a disappointing 2-8 record, the Milwaukee Bucks have turned things around, winning 12 of their last 15 games. This resurgence was capped by their recent NBA Cup semifinal victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Giannis Antetokounmpo is emerging as a top MVP candidate, while Damian Lillard is delivering his best performances since leaving the Portland Trail Blazers. Meanwhile, Khris Middleton remains on a minutes restriction as he works his way back from offseason ankle surgeries.

For the Hawks, their loss to the Bucks leaves them one game behind Milwaukee for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Although Atlanta is not considered a title contender, their 6-2 record against elite teams like the Bucks, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks shows their potential. However, their inconsistent 8-11 record in other games highlights the team’s struggles.

According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Atlanta’s front office appears open to exploring trades for their veterans while focusing on building around promising young players like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, and Onyeka Okongwu. A direct trade between the Bucks and Hawks could be difficult due to their similar playoff ambitions, but involving a third team, like the struggling Washington Wizards, could make a deal feasible.

The Wizards, sitting at the bottom of the league with just three wins, might welcome an opportunity to unload veterans for draft capital and young talent. A potential three-team trade could involve:

Bucks receive: Kyle Kuzma, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller, Anthony Gill

Hawks receive: Khris Middleton, 2031 second-round pick (MIL)

Wizards receive: Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, AJ Johnson, MarJon Beauchamp, 2031 unprotected first-round pick (MIL), 2028 first-round pick swap (ATL), 2025 second-round pick (ATL)

This deal would provide the Bucks with secondary scoring and depth, while Middleton’s shooting and defense would bolster Atlanta’s core around Trae Young. For the Wizards, the influx of young players and draft assets would align with their rebuild.