In an NBA landscape that rarely sleeps, few rumors have stirred as much intrigue recently as the growing speculation around De’Aaron Fox potentially landing with the Milwaukee Bucks. What began as whispered trade chatter has evolved into a legitimate storyline with league executives reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation. With the San Antonio Spurs reportedly eyeing a full-scale youth movement around Victor Wembanyama, the possibility of acquiring Fox and flipping him for future assets is emerging as a very real scenario. And now, the Bucks—still in win-now mode as they maximize the remaining prime of Giannis Antetokounmpo—have entered the picture in a serious way.
The dominoes that could lead to this blockbuster began to line up once the Sacramento Kings executed an unexpected trade earlier this offseason, sending Fox to the Spurs in a surprise move that stunned many across the NBA. At the time, it seemed San Antonio had snagged a top-15 guard to pair with Wembanyama and fast-track their rebuild. But in hindsight, it may have been more about acquiring a high-value trade chip than building around the veteran guard. Multiple insiders now believe that San Antonio never saw Fox as a long-term cornerstone, especially with a crowded backcourt and a commitment to developing young playmakers like Stephon Castle and Blake Wesley. According to several reports, teams around the league are circling the Spurs, gauging their willingness to move Fox—an All-Star-caliber player with a versatile scoring package and elite speed.
And of all the teams expressing interest, none have emerged more prominently in recent days than the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks, despite their aging core, are not ready to hit reset. After a disappointing playoff exit this past spring and with new head coach Doc Rivers seeking to reshape the team’s identity, Milwaukee is reportedly exploring ways to inject athleticism and backcourt versatility into their lineup. The Bucks still feature one of the NBA’s most dominant players in Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the team’s supporting cast has shown signs of regression. Jrue Holiday was shipped to Boston last offseason. Khris Middleton is dealing with chronic injuries. And while Damian Lillard remains an offensive force, his fit in Milwaukee’s system has been questioned ever since the Bucks faltered in the playoffs.
That’s where De’Aaron Fox comes in. At just 27 years old, Fox combines the experience of a seasoned veteran with the energy and agility the Bucks desperately need. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game last season for Sacramento before the trade, while also improving defensively. He brings pace, pressure, and a dynamic scoring ability that could make him the perfect bridge between Lillard’s finesse and Giannis’ physical dominance. A Lillard-Fox backcourt may seem unconventional on paper, but league insiders argue that their complementary strengths—Fox’s speed and off-ball cutting, Lillard’s deep shooting range and half-court execution—could make for one of the most lethal offensive duos in the East.
For the Bucks, the motivation to pursue such a deal is also rooted in urgency. Giannis has made it clear in past interviews that he wants to compete for championships every year, and while he did sign an extension recently, Milwaukee understands the pressures that come with keeping a generational talent satisfied. By adding a younger, explosive guard like Fox, they could revamp their identity without embarking on a rebuild. Giannis, Fox, and Lillard would give the Bucks a potent trio capable of competing with Boston, New York, and Miami in the brutally competitive Eastern Conference.
From San Antonio’s side, moving Fox makes sense if the right package is offered. The Spurs are building a team around Victor Wembanyama, and they’ve prioritized a long-term timeline. They’ve already stockpiled future first-round picks and young guards, and flipping Fox for more draft capital or developmental talent could further accelerate their rebuild. According to sources familiar with San Antonio’s front office thinking, there is no rush to move Fox, but the team is listening. They’re reportedly targeting deals that include future firsts, young rotation players, or contracts they can flip again in future deals. Milwaukee, though limited in trade assets after the Lillard trade, could get creative—possibly involving a third team or flipping other veteran contracts like Bobby Portis or Pat Connaughton to create more flexibility.
