Breaking down Milwaukee Bucks’ trade assets, untouchables, and more

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 15: Jordan Nwora #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives around Kelan Martin #21 of the Indiana Pacers during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on December 15, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 15: Jordan Nwora #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives around Kelan Martin #21 of the Indiana Pacers during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on December 15, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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Milwaukee Bucks: Rodney Hood
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 22 (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

Trade season has kicked off in the association, and everyone is anxious to see whether or not the Milwaukee Bucks make any moves.

The biggest challenge general manager Jon Horst faces when making any potential moves is trying to piece together a desirable trade package. The Bucks are currently short on assets and financial flexibility, making any sizeable move tough to maneuver. However, rather than looking at Milwaukee’s draft capital, let us take a look at how the players on the 2021-22 roster might fare in any potential trades. First, both two-way players in Sandro Mamukelashvili and Javonte Smart will not be included, as well as DeMarcus Cousins and Wesley Matthews, who are on non-guaranteed contracts right now. With that said, let us look at the tiers of tradeable Bucks.

Players that could be salary filler for the Milwaukee Bucks in a trade

If the Bucks do make a trade at some point between now and the deadline, at least one of these three players will likely be involved. George Hill ($4 million), Rodney Hood ($2.3 million), and Semi Ojeleye ($1.8 million) all make a certain amount of money this season that makes them difficult to deal on their own but could be packaged with others to make a more significant trade work.

All three players have struggled to some degree this year. Hill has been serviceable as the backup point guard, but his numbers are far from the gaudiest, especially with his shooting. The 13-year NBA veteran is having the second-worst 3-point shooting season of his career by knocking down just 31.5 percent of his triples. Hood has flashed signs of potential, but he is currently playing the fewest minutes in his career and is putting up brutal shooting splits. Ojeleye has missed a sizeable chunk of the season with injuries, but he has not exactly impressed when he has been available.

They are not the most desirable trade pieces on the Bucks, but they could be moved regardless due to their affordable contracts. Although Hill will make another $4 million next season, Hood and Ojeleye will become free agents once the season ends, making them more enticing in talks.