After a poor showing to start the NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks pulled Pat Connaughton out of their rotation entirely.
With the Bucks rumored to be calling around for help on the trade market, it's clear that Connaughton and his $9.4 million salary for this season will be on the table. Connaughton alone will not command a significant amount of interest, but if the Milwaukee Bucks attach a draft pick to him, perhaps they'd be able to get the wheels turning on something.
With all that said, let us look at three players they could go after using Connaughton.
No. 1 - Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago Bulls
The Milwaukee Bucks have found some really nice stability at the two-guard position lately, with the trio of AJ Green, Andre Jackson Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. all playing crucial roles. Do the Bucks need yet another two-guard in the mix? When they do the things Ayo Dosunmu can do on a consistent basis, it undoubtedly would not hurt.
Dosunmu is currently having a career year, averaging new personal bests in points (12.8), assists (4.5) and rebounds (3.8) per game. On top of that, he continues to be a strong defensive presence, using a 6-foot-5 frame and 6-foot-8.5 wingspan to hound his matchup nightly. All of those factors would be a nice addition to this Milwaukee Bucks bench.
Dosunmu would give the Milwaukee Bucks another switchable defender on the perimeter who can also double as their makeshift backup point guard due to his ball-handling and facilitating.
No. 2 - Paul Reed, Detroit Pistons
It's clear that the Milwaukee Bucks could use another big man. Brook Lopez has his limitations with mobility, and his offense has been anything but reliable. Bobby Portis falls into the same boat, but his struggles have been amplified due to his poor defense. If the Bucks want to add a player who can give them a different look in the frontcourt, Paul Reed of Detroit could be a nice flyer.
After having the best year of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers last year, Reed has not played a major part in Detroit's rotation at all. He has the potential to be a decent floor-spacing big man who can also protect the paint at a high level. Furthermore, he's just 25, so he would fit right in with the recent youth movement that has overtaken the Milwaukee Bucks rotation.
If the Bucks could bring in a potential-filled big man in Connaughton's place, it would be worthwhile; he'd be a nice depth piece at the bare minimum.
No. 3 - Ziaire Williams, Brooklyn Nets
Speaking of Milwaukee's recent youth movement, Ziaire Williams would be a fascinating addition to this group. The recently turned 23-year-old is an intriguing young player, standing at 6-foot-9 with a good amount of athleticism to his name, giving Doc Rivers another unique piece who could be useful in particular situations.
The big question is what Williams can become on the defensive end. He has the build to be a strong piece on that side of things, but he's truly never taken off during his four NBA seasons. At the bare minimum, finding a way to swap Connaughton for Williams would give the Milwaukee Bucks a younger player full of more potential to work with.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.