3 reasons why the Milwaukee Bucks will have a quiet trade deadline

No. 3 – The Milwaukee Bucks are too limited financially with the lack of salary matching flexibility

Due to the short number of assets combined with the lack of financial flexibility that the Milwaukee Bucks currently have, it could be difficult for the front office to pull off an impactful trade before the deadline.

Of the four or five players that would be available in trade talks, Donte DiVincenzo makes around $4.6 million per year, Rodney Hood is on an expiring $2.2 million minimum contract, Semi Ojeleye is on an expiring $1.7 million minimum contract, and Jordan Nwora is earning $1.5 million this season. If the contract of Brook Lopez is included in a deal, which would only happen if there’s not a chance of him coming back this year, his annual salary is at around $13.3 million.

Realistically, it’s going to be challenging for the Bucks to acquire some desirable targets such as Mo Bamba, Daniel Theis, Montrezl Harrell, Richaun Holmes, and Jakob Poeltl due to their salary ranges and price tags. Pursuing someone like Oklahoma City’s Mike Muscala, who’s in the $3.5 million range, would be a more realistic acquisition.

Of course, the Bucks are deep into the luxury tax as well. The tax has already played a crucial factor in the organization’s decision-making after deciding not to re-sign P.J. Tucker last summer and waive DeMarcus Cousins prior to his guaranteed contract date earlier this year.

Evidently, the Bucks (ownership) don’t seem willing to absorb more salary in any potential deals since it would further increase the tax bill. Although, the buyout market should be a greater opportunity to bolster the roster without taking a huge tax hit.

Since the Milwaukee Bucks are limited financially, lack assets, and don’t seem to have the desire to trade their most attractive available asset, all indications are pointing to a quiet trade deadline for the defending champs.