1 Key factor likely limiting the Milwaukee Bucks in their pursuit of trades

Per just about every media outlet in the NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks are calling everyone around the league in pursuit of trades amid their sluggish, injury-filled start.

Obviously, so far, they have had little luck. Sure, some of that could be due to the team's thinning set of assets, which mainly revolve around Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton, two players having down years, and their 2031 first and second-round picks, which are far down the road, but there is another key reason why a trade likely hasn't happened yet.

The Bucks are (likely) waiting for that December 15 restriction to lift

October and November trades are rare because a sizeable chunk of the league cannot be traded until December 15; specifically, players signed as free agents this past offseason. Once that date passes, it will be easier for the Milwaukee Bucks and other teams to get more creative when piecing together possible trade packages, as more players can be on the move.

Again, given that it's very early in the season, the Bucks haven't been linked to any particular names. Outside of former Buck P.J. Tucker, who is currently away from the LA Clippers as they try to find him a new home, it's unclear who may even be available. Still, it's very clear what this team needs, as they should be locked in on finding more athletic defenders, particularly at power forward or center.

This writer thinks the Portland Trail Blazers would be a great match. Whether it's Robert Williams, Matisse Thybulle or Jerami Grant (if we are going nuclear), they have plenty of defensive-minded pieces who would fit right in with the Milwaukee Bucks. Yet, it's unclear how Portland feels about their roster and whether they would even part with any of those pieces, as expected this early in the year.

The truth is, the Milwaukee Bucks are likely stuck with this roster for the time being. Even when that restriction lifts in December, it doesn't mean a trade will immediately happen, although it may make things easier. All general manager Jon Horst can do is continue to work the phones and see what deals he may be able to piece together.

Between the second apron, the December 15 restriction and the limited assets, Jon Horst faces a tall order in upgrading this roster, but that type of adversity has not stopped him before. Getting healthy and making one or two trades could be the key to getting this team back on the right track for good in their pursuit of another illustrious NBA championship.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.