Bucks Almost Paired Giannis Antetokounmpo with Future Hall of Famer Before Myles Turner Trade

Nov 15, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

According to recent reporting from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Milwaukee Bucks could have prevented one of the most shocking trades in NBA history from happening.

After trading for star center Anthony Davis ahead of the 2019-2020 season resulted in the team's first NBA championship since 2010, it seemed that the partnership between Davis, LeBron James and the Lakers would be fruitful for the long term future.

More news: Bucks' Late Win vs Mavericks Inspires Dallas to Fire GM Nico Harrison

While the Lakers were consistently on the fringe of contention, they haven't been back to the Finals since. Additionally, Davis' struggles with injuries prompted the Lakers front office to grow increasingly frustrated as their star player's efforts to take care of his body were not up to the team's standards.

As a result of an increasingly fracturing relationship, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka began calling teams in December 2024 to assess Davis' trade value with the ultimate goal of trading away the 10-time All-Star in the offseason.

More news: Giannis Antetokounmpo Slams Bucks Teammates After Losing to Rockets

One of the teams active in discussions with the Lakers was the Bucks, who expressed interest in acquiring Davis and pairing him with star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and guard Damian Lillard to form what would have been a dangerous trio.

Instead, the Lakers stayed put, keeping Davis until that fateful February night when they sent Davis, guard Max Christie and a first round pick in exchange for superstar Luka Doncic, who leads Antetokounmpo in MVP odds early in the 2025-26 season.

The Lakers began making trade calls to teams in December 2024 for Anthony Davis, per @BrettSiegelNBA

The Celtics, Bucks, and Cavaliers all showed interest

(https://t.co/uRT5zxst8H) pic.twitter.com/8jjYuo0jTK

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) November 14, 2025

While the pairing of Davis and Antetokounmpo is an intriguing one to think about, as they would instantly become one of if not the best front courts in the NBA, the Bucks made an investment in a different big man over the offseason.

A New Center Upgrade

After the Bucks waived Lillard, who suffered a torn Achilles, they signed center Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal in a move aimed to convince Antetokounmpo that the front office was making every effort to build a championship-contending roster.

So far this season, Turner is averaging 12.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. His numbers don't necessarily jump off the stat sheet, but his defensive prowess and his role in opening up the Bucks' offense with pick-and-roll actions has helped Antetokounmpo jump off to an MVP-worthy start early in the season.

The Bucks are 8-6 on the season and face the Cleveland Cavaliers in a matchup of two of the Eastern Conference's best Monday at 6 p.m. PT.

For more news and notes on the Milwaukee Bucks, visit Milwaukee Bucks on SI.