Just like every other season, the Milwaukee Bucks are heavily involved in rumors leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline.
This year, though, feels different, primarily because they have been linked to a handful of prominent names rather than their typical formula of adding a role player they think can patch a hole. They may have much bigger plans than many initially anticipated, and the players they are being linked to in the rumor mill paint a clear picture of where they feel like they need some additional help.
The Bucks have been linked to two All-Star wings in the rumor mill
The prominent rumor with the Bucks lately involves Jimmy Butler, the disgruntled Miami Heat wing who has been adamant about his recent trade request. Milwaukee is reportedly a team keeping tabs on the veteran, and while Butler allegedly wants to end up in Phoenix, there currently appears to be no clear path for that to happen, so the Bucks could possibly swoop in and get him if they desire.
Another star linked to the Bucks in the rumor mill is New Orleans Pelicans wing Brandon Ingram. NBA insider Jake Fischer mentioned during his latest intel notebook that back in December, "the Bucks checked in and were interested in the concept of" Ingram. However, Ingram has not played since December 7 due to injury, and those talks have reportedly quieted down due to this.
If the connection to Butler and Ingram didn't make it easy enough to puzzle together, Fischer also directly says that Milwaukee is considering options to improve on the wing. Based on these rumors, they may want to do so in the form of a star player. Many fans have been pleading for the team to bring in an athletic big man, and while that could happen, it appears a wing may also be on the table.
The Milwaukee Bucks do have a solid wing rotation with Khris Middleton, AJ Green, Andre Jackson Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. in tow, but there are questions. Can Jackson provide any semblance of offense? Can Middleton get back to form after the duel ankle surgeries? If the front office has concerns, they could very well target a star wing they believe may be an upgrade to beef up this rotation.
The February 6 NBA Trade Deadline is approaching, and the rumors are only starting to intensify.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.