With the Milwaukee Bucks coming out of the gates slow, currently boasting a 2-6 record, rumor has it that they're already working on upgrading the roster.
Per ESPN's Tim Bontempts and Brian Windhorst, the Bucks are canvassing the league for a trade to give their core a jolt. General manager Jon Horst is always active, so this shouldn't be too surprising. What exactly should Milwaukee be looking for at this point in the season? Though one could make a case for several things, some could be more crucial than others.
The Bucks need defense and athleticism in the frontcourt specifically
The past several games have shown that a little bit of youth and athleticism can go a long way for this Milwaukee Bucks basketball team. Youngsters Andre Jackson Jr. and AJ Green have both shown they are players who can help this team nightly simply by providing hustle that some of the veterans don't have at this stage of their careers.
As they scout the market for trades, the Bucks should aim to further beef up their roster with youth and legitimate athletes, particularly through a player who is a big body.
It's no secret that Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis are far from high-flying athletes. Quickness is not a strong suit for either player, which has hurt the Milwaukee Bucks from time to time this season due to quicker opponents taking advantage of them. To give Milwaukee a different look against these types of teams, the Bucks should add a power forward or center with some athleticism and defensive skills.
While there aren't many names rumored to be available this early in the season, one team that may be worth keeping an eye on is the Portland Trail Blazers.
Robert Williams was recently cleared to return, and he has not factored into Portland's plans. While it is unclear what he will look like after missing most of last season with injury, he was a nice athlete and top-tier defender when last healthy. Williams, 27, would give the team a versatile big man who can be a threat to opponents right at the hoop while also being a screen setter on the other end.
From a salary perspective, swapping Williams for Bobby Portis makes the most sense. Would that be a wise move for Milwaukee? It would be a gamble, given Williams' injury history, but if Portland were to throw in a few second-round picks, perhaps it would be worth it. Williams would offer a nice change of pace compared to the non-athletic bigs the Milwaukee Bucks have employed in recent memory.
How desperate are the Bucks right now? With Khris Middleton's status unknown as he works his way back from offseason surgery, would they entertain trading him? It would be tough, but with Middleton battling injury issues, it is a possibility. One name that could make sense is Portland's Jerami Grant, as their salaries are very close to matching.
In three seasons as a Blazer, Grant has played strong two-way basketball, averaging 20.5 points and 4.1 rebounds while playing strong defense. At 6-foot-7, 210 pounds, Grant has the build to guard the opposing team's top scoring forward, something this Milwaukee team could use. On the other end of things, he could be the third scoring fiddle to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Yet, currently, it's unclear how Milwaukee feels about Middleton or how much Portland wants to hang onto Grant. It's just a thought.
Those are just two names who might come up in discussions; there are bound to be more popping up behind the scenes as Horst checks around the league. With the second apron holding them back, the Bucks will have a tough time making any deal, but that will not stop Horst from poking around. If a deal does come to fruition, it could be a nice early-season boost.
Asset-wise, the likeliest candidates to be moved are Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, Brook Lopez and MarJon Beauchamp, who is looking for a fresh start after getting his team option declined.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.