A new report has revealed a surprising twist in the Milwaukee Bucks’ trade talks for Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant and it centers around a young guard the team refused to include.
According to ESPN insiders Shams Charania and Jamal Collier, Milwaukee declined to include guard Ryan Rollins in a potential trade package for Morant.
Trade rumblings first surfaced shortly after the deadline. NBA reporter Jake Fischer noted that multiple teams believed the Bucks had genuine interest in acquiring Morant.
At first glance, refusing to deal Rollins for a superstar may seem shocking. But the Bucks are in a delicate long-term position.
Milwaukee has spent years sending away draft picks in hopes of keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo surrounded by win-now talent. Because of previous trades, the franchise won’t have full control again until 2031.
Rollins, just 23, is enjoying a breakout year as a full-time starter, averaging 17.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 40.9% from three. He’s also on a team-friendly ust $4 million next season before a player option in 2027.
For a franchise that may be heading toward a roster overhaul, Rollins represents one of the few promising long-term building blocks.
ESPN’s report also casts an unsettling light on the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. With rumors intensifying about a possible offseason trade, the Bucks may soon face a major reset.
If that happens, holding onto Rollins becomes even more important. He might not reach Morant’s superstar level, but he’s young, affordable, improving quickly, and exactly the type of player a rebuilding team needs.
For now, Milwaukee’s refusal tells the story:
They weren’t willing to sacrifice one of their most promising young guards even for Ja Morant.