Behind the Bucks Pass
Fansided

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

By Dalton Sell

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: Pat Connaughton
MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 08 (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Players that are next to untouchable in trades for the Milwaukee Bucks

These are players that are almost certainly not going anywhere this season, but labeling them as entirely untouchable would not feel right. Allen, Pat Connaughton, Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez, and Thanasis Antetokounmpo seemed destined to stay with the Bucks beyond the trade deadline for a handful of different reasons.

Connaughton ($5.3 million), Allen ($4.1 million), and Portis ($4.3 million) are key rotational pieces for the Bucks and are all playing the best basketball of their individual careers this season on very team-friendly deals. The Bucks simply have no incentive to trade any of them away. Connaughton and Portis have played options once the season ends and they will certainly be seeking raises, but the pair have both shown enough loyalty to Milwaukee that suggests they would like to stay. Allen was wisely extended before the season and is locked in for the next two seasons. It would be odd to see any of these three moved.

As for Lopez, he always seems to find himself in trade rumors, but due to his current health, it is almost a guarantee he will not be moved. The veteran big man has missed all but one game this season with back soreness, which he recently had surgery on. He will be sidelined for an extended period of time, and teams likely will be hesitant to consider taking on that $13.3 million salary for this season and $13.9 million next year. It might be a different story if he was healthy, but trade talks surrounding Lopez will be silenced for now and he will stay put.

Lastly, Thanasis Antetokounmpo almost positively will not be playing elsewhere anytime soon. This one seems pretty self-explanatory. Aside from the obvious reason, the Bucks seem to enjoy the enthusiasm and energy he brings to the fold on a nightly basis, and Budenholzer utilizes him when he needs someone to play aggressive defense. He will be sticking around.

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