Milwaukee Bucks Rumors: Latest trade speculation leading up to deadline

Milwaukee Bucks have recently been linked to veteran guard Austin Rivers

After sending D.J. Augustin to Houston as part of the Tucker trade, the Bucks are currently left without a backup point guard on the roster.

Adding another ball handler in the second unit appears to be the top priority on their to-do list, and they are apparently zeroed in on a specific target. ESPN’s Zach Lowe ($$) briefly mentioned in his latest rumor roundup piece that the Bucks could potentially express interest in Austin Rivers, who currently finds himself in a difficult situation with the New York Knicks.

After signing a three-year deal worth nearly $10 million in free agency, the 28-year-old guard found himself out of the rotation after the team brought in Derrick Rose. Logging just five minutes of action since February 13, Lowe notes that Rivers could be headed towards the buyout market if he is not soon traded, where he could receive a fresh start with a contending team.

If he and the Knicks decide to take the route, Rivers would be an obvious choice for the Bucks to pick up to fill their guard vacancy. The eight-year veteran would provide the second unit with a ball handler with a handful of experience that could contribute meaningful minutes.

If the Bucks want to ensure that they will be the team to land Rivers and keep him away from other contenders like the Philadelphia 76ers or Los Angeles Lakers, then a trade is also possible. The guard’s $3.5 million salary for this season would fit snugly within Milwaukee’s recently acquired $4.8 million trade exception.

Whether it be throughout the buyout market or a trade, the Bucks will likely make a strong push to bolster their guard depth with Austin Rivers. While he is not the flashiest name, he would provide closure at a position of need for this team.

We’ll continue to update this space if and when the Bucks are linked with potential trade targets in the lead up to the deadline. Stay tuned.