NBA Trade Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Bucks in hunt to form "Big 3" with $146,396,031 superstar in sensational deal

The Milwaukee Bucks are firmly focused on a championship run this season, especially after clinching the 2024 NBA Cup. With Giannis Antetokounmpo playing at an MVP level and Damian Lillard by his side, anything short of an NBA title would be considered a disappointment.

As the Feb. 7 trade deadline approaches, the Bucks have an opportunity to strengthen their roster further to enhance their title chances. One prominent name linked to Milwaukee is Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler.

Butler, on a three-year, $146.4-million contract, has seen his relationship with the Heat deteriorate over the past month. According to reports, the veteran forward has informed Miami's front office that he no longer wishes to play for the team and is seeking a trade.

While earlier rumors suggested Butler's camp had ruled out the possibility of joining the Bucks, The Athletic's Sam Amick recently reported that the six-time All-Star hasn’t closed the door on forming a "Big 3" with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard in Milwaukee.

Meanwhile, Forbes’ Evan Sidery highlighted the challenges Milwaukee would face in acquiring Butler, noting that a trade package centered around Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis might be necessary to make the deal happen.

"The Bucks are legally unable to acquire Jimmy Butler, unless they get under the second apron," Sidery tweeted. "Milwaukee would need to dump Pat Connaughton’s contract, then pull off another trade involving Butler. Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis is a likely salary-matching package for Butler."

ESPN’s front office insider Bobby Marks recently outlined a potential pathway for the Bucks to acquire Jimmy Butler from the Heat. According to Marks, the deal would involve a three-team trade, with the Bucks landing Butler, while the Heat would receive Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, Bobi Klintman and a 2031 first-round pick from Milwaukee.

The third team in the proposed trade, the Detroit Pistons, would acquire Pat Connaughton, a 2031 second-round pick from the Bucks and 2030 first-round swap rights (via the Bucks or Trail Blazers).

Damian Lillard's relationship with Jimmy Butler

When Damian Lillard expressed his desire to be traded ahead of the 2023-24 season, his primary goal was to join forces with Jimmy Butler at the Miami Heat. While his wish ultimately went unfulfilled, the veteran point guard openly shared his aspiration to play for the Heat, citing Butler as the main reason behind his preference.

"We've always been in some form of contact with each other," Lillard told Fox Sports Melissa Rohlin in 2023. "And I said it, initially I was like, 'I want to go to Miami.' He was a big part of that. It didn't happen.

"I'm here (Milwaukee Bucks) now. But our relationship will be the same. The same respect. It's just something that didn't happen. It was out of his control and mine."

Although Lillard's wish to play alongside Butler didn’t materialize when he was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers, there remains a slim chance that the two veteran superstars could team up with the Bucks this season.