Milwaukee Bucks have landed veteran wing Taurean Prince and guard Gary Harris in a deal that sends Caris LeVert to Detroit and clears roughly $7 million off the Bucks' 2026‑27 payroll. The move follows a 126‑106 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers on April 12, 2026, and comes as the Bucks have dropped two of their last five games (2W‑0D‑3L).
What did the trade involve?
The six‑team blockbuster, reported by Shams Charania, sent LeVert and two 2027 second‑round picks to the Pistons. In return, Milwaukee received Prince, a proven three‑point shooter, and Harris, a former Michigan State guard who saw limited minutes in Milwaukee’s rotation. Detroit also moved Marcus Sasser to Dallas and Isaiah Stewart to Memphis, while Washington grabbed Khris Middleton via sign‑and‑trade.
How does Prince fit Milwaukee’s roster?
Prince, a 6‑6 veteran from Baylor, posted a 43.6% three‑point clip on 5.4 attempts per game in his limited 26‑game stint with Milwaukee last season after returning from neck surgery. His off‑ball movement and catch‑and‑shoot ability give the Bucks a reliable perimeter option beside Giannis Antetokounmpo. If he earns regular minutes, his 9.2 points per game could rise, especially with Cade Cunningham handling primary playmaking duties.
What about Gary Harris?
Harris appeared in 48 games for Milwaukee, averaging modest minutes and shooting percentages. The Pistons may waive him before training camp, but his defensive versatility could earn a bench role if he impresses in preseason. Either way, his contract is modest, adding financial flexibility for Detroit.
Why does the trade matter for the Bucks?
By swapping LeVert for Prince and Harris, Milwaukee retains a high‑level scorer in LeVert’s absence while adding a proven floor spacer. The $7 million salary relief helps the Bucks stay under the luxury tax ceiling and opens cap space for potential free‑agent signings. With the Bucks sitting at a 2‑0‑3 recent form slide, the added shooting may help snap the losing streak and improve their playoff positioning.
What’s next for Milwaukee?
Coach Mike Budenholzer will likely integrate Prince into the wing rotation, pairing him with Jrue Holiday on the perimeter. Harris could see minutes as a defensive specialist off the bench. The Bucks aim to rebound from the recent loss to Philadelphia and tighten their three‑point defense as the regular season winds down.
The trade reshapes Milwaukee’s bench depth, adds a veteran shooter, and gives the front office breathing room to pursue additional upgrades before the trade deadline.