With the offseason underway after another first-round playoff exit, the Milwaukee Bucks’ front office is expected to roll up its sleeves and find a way to add talent around two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

The Bucks could be in the market for a new center this offseason, with Brook Lopez entering unrestricted free agency. Hornets big man Mark Williams, just 23 years old and entering his fourth season, may be the answer. 

Antetokounmpo has been at the center of trade speculation since the club’s postseason loss to the Pacers. However, it appears unlikely that the Bucks will part ways with arguably the greatest player in franchise history. 

Instead, the team could target young talent to build around Antetokounmpo. Williams may be a viable option for the 2021 champions as they look to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference following Damian Lillard’s left Achilles tear in the playoffs.

Jackson Caudell of SI.com proposed a blockbuster three-team trade that would send Williams to Milwaukee. 

Here’s Caudell’s mock trade: 

Bucks receive: Mark Williams, Miles Bridges, Terance Mann 

Hornets receive: Kobe Bufkin, Kyle Kuzma, 2025 No. 22 pick (ATL), 2031 unprotected first-round pick (MIL)

Hawks receive: Grant Williams and Pat Connaughton

While the Bucks would have to give up a future first-round pick along with Kuzma and Connaughton, they would land a lob threat in Williams and two versatile pieces in Bridges and Mann. 

Williams has dealt with several injuries during his NBA career, and while this move carries some risk, the Bucks would secure themselves a younger center with plenty of upside. 

The Duke product has the potential to be a double-double threat on a nightly basis. He finished the 2024-25 season averaging 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per game in 44 regular-season appearances.

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